10-Q 1 form10q.htm ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC 10-Q 9-30-2010 form10q.htm


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
T
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from           to
Commission File No. 001-32331

Logo 1
ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
42-1638663
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
One Alpha Place, P.O. Box 2345, Abingdon, Virginia
24212
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(276) 619-4410

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. T Yes   ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). T Yes   ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
T Large accelerated filer      o Accelerated filer      ¨ Non-accelerated filer    ¨ Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  ¨ Yes   T   No

Number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of October 29, 2010 – 120,403,826
 


 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Item 1. Financial Statements

ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues:
                       
Coal revenues
  $ 896,435     $ 662,396     $ 2,621,805     $ 1,423,169  
Freight and handling revenues
    85,330       47,592       240,386       129,091  
Other revenues
    19,867       19,258       61,850       49,960  
Total revenues
    1,001,632       729,246       2,924,041       1,602,220  
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    664,723       469,451       1,896,989       1,039,490  
Freight and handling costs
    85,330       47,592       240,386       129,091  
Other expenses
    11,967       11,251       36,094       15,650  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    94,003       78,246       280,228       154,803  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    52,398       57,983       173,988       57,983  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    43,584       78,257       135,604       117,630  
Total costs and expenses
    952,005       742,780       2,763,289       1,514,647  
Income (loss) from operations
    49,627       (13,534 )     160,752       87,573  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (17,834 )     (42,835 )     (58,458 )     (62,854 )
Interest income
    967       295       2,495       1,275  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       (5,641 )     (1,349 )     (5,641 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
    1,261       856       783       1,037  
Total other expense, net
    (15,606 )     (47,325 )     (56,529 )     (66,183 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    34,021       (60,859 )     104,223       21,390  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,660 )     44,119       (18,010 )     25,169  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    32,361       (16,740 )     86,213       46,559  
Discontinued operations:
                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    (911 )     (2,290 )     (2,574 )     (11,600 )
Income tax benefit
    424       2,765       1,073       5,099  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
    (487 )     475       (1,501 )     (6,501 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 31,874     $ (16,265 )   $ 84,712     $ 40,058  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.27     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.72     $ 0.57  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       (0.01 )     (0.08 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.27     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.71     $ 0.49  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.27     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.71     $ 0.57  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       (0.01 )     (0.08 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.27     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.70     $ 0.49  
                                 
Weighted average shares - basic
    119,623,075       102,992,689       119,862,369       81,054,020  
Weighted average shares - diluted
    121,498,825       102,992,689       121,767,294       81,648,993  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 442,763     $ 465,869  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    317,973       232,631  
Inventories, net
    197,138       176,372  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    327,941       176,953  
Total current assets
    1,285,815       1,051,825  
Property, equipment and mine development costs (net of accumulated depreciation & amortization of $807,956 and $615,163, respectively)
    1,116,175       1,082,446  
Owned and leased mineral rights (net of accumulated depletion of $306,288 and $222,047, respectively)
    1,911,851       1,958,855  
Owned lands
    95,427       91,262  
Goodwill
    382,440       382,440  
Acquired coal supply agreements (net of accumulated amortization of $312,321 and $133,016, respectively)
    217,186       396,491  
Other non-current assets
    165,527       157,024  
Total assets
  $ 5,174,421     $ 5,120,343  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 14,798     $ 33,500  
Trade accounts payable
    165,369       152,662  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    298,306       273,260  
Total current liabilities
    478,473       459,422  
Long-term debt
    734,245       756,753  
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    811,142       682,991  
Asset retirement obligations
    208,704       190,724  
Deferred income taxes
    212,902       301,307  
Other non-current liabilities
    150,646       137,857  
Total liabilities
    2,596,112       2,529,054  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock - par value $0.01, 10.0 million shares authorized, none issued
    -       -  
Common stock - par value $0.01, 200.0 million shares authorized, 121.7 million issued and 120.4 million outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 120.8 million issued and 120.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,217       1,208  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,231,277       2,194,305  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (87,281 )     5,812  
Treasury stock, at cost - 1.3 million and 0.3 million shares at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    (50,454 )     (8,874 )
Retained earnings
    483,550       398,838  
Total stockholders' equity
    2,578,309       2,591,289  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,174,421     $ 5,120,343  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 84,712     $ 40,058  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization
    307,563       174,652  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    173,988       57,983  
Mark-to-market adjustments for derivatives
    11,880       (14,616 )
Discontinuance of cash flow hedge on interest rate swap
    -       23,549  
Stock-based compensation
    24,403       26,650  
Employee benefit plans, net
    40,786       14,802  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    1,349       5,641  
Deferred income taxes
    (41,668 )     (47,894 )
Other, net
    (3,367 )     602  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Trade accounts receivable, net
    (85,342 )     (18,643 )
Inventories, net
    (20,766 )     (23,454 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    31,692       (20,508 )
Other non-current assets
    (2,684 )     1,297  
Trade accounts payable
    11,029       (18,875 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    30,464       (14,131 )
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    (53,840 )     (30,174 )
Asset retirement obligations
    (4,255 )     (4,676 )
Other non-current liabilities
    5,107       9,853  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    511,051       162,116  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (222,960 )     (102,816 )
Cash acquired from a merger
    -       23,505  
Acquisition of mineral rights under federal lease
    (36,108 )     -  
Purchase of equity-method investment
    (3,000 )     -  
Purchase of other investment
    (4,000 )     -  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (322,492 )     -  
Sales of marketable securities
    141,180       -  
Other, net
    2,043       (1,093 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (445,337 )     (80,404 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
Principal repayments of note payable
    -       (16,429 )
Principal repayments of long-term debt
    (50,934 )     (241,500 )
Debt issuance costs
    (8,710 )     (11,218 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
    8,112       -  
Common stock repurchases
    (41,580 )     (8,495 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,292       2,419  
Other, net
    -       (1,122 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (88,820 )     (276,345 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (23,106 )     (194,633 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    465,869       676,190  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 442,763     $ 481,557  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 49,577     $ 50,365  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 43,737     $ 27,998  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Issuance of common stock in connection with Merger
  $ -     $ 1,628,601  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)


(1)   Business and Basis of Presentation

Business

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Alpha”) are primarily engaged in the business of extracting, processing and marketing steam and metallurgical coal from surface and deep mines, and mainly sell to electric utilities, steel and coke producers, and industrial customers. The Company, through its subsidiaries, is also involved in marketing coal produced by others to supplement its own production and, through blending, provides its customers with coal qualities beyond those available from its own production.

On July 31, 2009, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (“Old Alpha”) and Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. (“Foundation”) merged (the “Merger”) with Foundation continuing as the surviving legal corporation of the Merger. Subsequent to the Merger, Foundation was renamed Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. For financial accounting purposes, the Merger was treated as a reverse acquisition and Old Alpha was treated as the accounting acquirer.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for Form 10-Q.  Such rules and regulations allow the omission of certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as long as the statements are not misleading. In the opinion of management, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010 and included on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2010.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include inventories; mineral reserves; allowance for non-recoupable advanced mining royalties; asset impairments; environmental and reclamation obligations; acquisition accounting; pensions, postemployment, postretirement medical and other employee benefit obligations; useful lives for depreciation, depletion, and amortization; reserves for workers’ compensation and black lung claims; current and deferred income taxes; reserves for contingencies and litigation; revenue recognized using the percentage of completion method; and fair value of financial instruments. Estimates are based on facts and circumstances believed to be reasonable at the time; however, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company reclassified $11,500 related to the current portion of interest rate swaps from other non-current liabilities to accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009.

Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation for the Merger and recorded an immaterial correction to the December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet to reflect these adjustments as if they were recorded on the acquisition date. See Note 18 for further details.

(2)   New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-6, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-6”), which requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010-6 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures which are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. ASU 2010-6 relates solely to disclosures in the financial statement notes and will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 9 regarding the Company’s fair value disclosures.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(3)   Earnings Per Share

The number of shares used to calculate basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of the Company’s outstanding common shares during the respective periods. The number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per common share is based on the number of common shares used to calculate basic earnings per share plus the dilutive effect of stock options and other stock-based instruments held by the Company’s employees and directors during each period and the Company’s outstanding 2.375% convertible senior notes due 2015 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes, which were issued in April 2008, become dilutive for earnings per common share calculations when the average share price for the quarter exceeds the conversion price of $54.66. The shares that would be issued to settle the conversion spread are included in the diluted earnings per common share calculation when the conversion option is in the money. At September 30, 2010, the conversion option for the Convertible Notes was not in the money, and therefore, there was no dilutive earnings per common share impact. At June 30, 2009, due to the Merger, the Convertible Notes were convertible; however, because the conversion price exceeded the average share price, there was no dilutive earnings per share impact.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the periods presented:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Weighted average shares - basic
    119,623,075       102,992,689       119,862,369       81,054,020  
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock plans
    1,875,750       -       1,904,925       594,973  
Weighted average shares - diluted
    121,498,825       102,992,689       121,767,294       81,648,993  

(4)   Inventories, net

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Raw coal
  $ 13,416     $ 19,180  
Saleable coal
    137,449       112,004  
Equipment for resale
    1,202       1,489  
Materials and supplies, net
    45,071       43,699  
Total inventories, net
  $ 197,138     $ 176,372  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(5)   Marketable Securities

Short-term marketable securities, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, consisted of the following:

   
September 30, 2010
 
                         
         
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
 
Short-term marketable securities:
                       
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 84,045     $ 155     $ -     $ 84,200  
Corporate debt securities
    127,602       15       (39 )     127,578  
Total short-term marketable securities:
  $ 211,647     $ 170     $ (39 )   $ 211,778  


   
December 31, 2009
 
                         
         
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
 
Short-term marketable securities:
                       
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 22,338     $ -     $ (23 )   $ 22,315  
Corporate debt securities
    7,180       6       -       7,186  
Total short-term marketable securities:
  $ 29,518     $ 6     $ (23 )   $ 29,501  

Long-term marketable securities, with maturity dates between one and three years, included in other non-current assets, consisted of the following:

   
September 30, 2010
 
                         
         
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
 
Long-term marketable securities:
                               
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 88,585     $ 136     $ (32 )   $ 88,689  


   
December 31, 2009
 
                         
         
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gain
   
Loss
   
Fair Value
 
Long-term marketable securities:
                               
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 89,828     $ -     $ (343 )   $ 89,485  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(6)   Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Wages and employee benefits
  $ 106,707     $ 75,936  
Current portion of asset retirement obligations
    10,987       14,908  
Deferred income taxes -- current
    -       10,237  
Taxes other than income taxes
    62,041       58,245  
Freight
    8,360       8,827  
Current portion of self insured workers' compensation obligations
    8,379       10,893  
Interest payable
    7,619       11,215  
Derivative financial instruments
    20,957       26,461  
Current portion of postretirement medical benefit obligations
    27,393       27,393  
Other
    45,863       29,145  
Total
  $ 298,306     $ 273,260  

(7)   Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Term loan due 2014 under the Alpha Credit Facility
  $ 233,815     $ 284,750  
7.25% senior notes due 2014
    298,285       298,285  
2.375% convertible senior notes due 2015
    287,500       287,500  
Debt discount
    (70,557 )     (80,282 )
Total long-term debt
    749,043       790,253  
Less current portion
    14,798       33,500  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
  $ 734,245     $ 756,753  

Alpha Credit Facility

On April 15, 2010, the Company and its lenders amended and restated (the “Amend and Extend”) the Alpha Credit Facility (the “Facility”). The Amend and Extend, among other things, extended the maturity of $236,800 of the then-outstanding term loans and $554,000 of existing revolving credit facility (the “revolver”) commitments from July 7, 2011 to July 31, 2014. The Amend and Extend added $300,400 of additional borrowing capacity with a maturity of July 31, 2014, to increase the aggregate principal amount available to be drawn under the revolver to $950,400. Subsequently, the Company terminated $96,000 of commitments under the revolver and prepaid $39,600 of the term loans, both of which related to lenders that chose not to extend their commitments beyond the original expiration date of July 7, 2011. Additionally, the Amend and Extend (1) increased the amount of the “accordion” feature of the Facility to $400,000, all of which was available for the Company to exercise following the closing of the Amend and Extend; and, (2) also made other changes to the Facility, including amendments to certain of the negative covenants in the Facility to provide the Company greater financial and operating flexibility.

As of September 30, 2010, the total borrowing capacity under the revolver was $854,400. Borrowings under the revolver bear interest at a base rate plus an applicable margin or at an adjusted London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based on leverage ratios. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver at September 30, 2010 or December 31, 2009. The revolver can also be used to secure outstanding letters of credit.  Letters of credit in the amount of $31,343 and $113,633 were outstanding under the revolver as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The amount available under the revolver as of September 30, 2010 was $823,057 after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit. Additionally, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.5% on unused borrowings.

The Facility’s secured term loans bear interest at a base rate plus an applicable margin or at an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin.  The interest rate approximated 3.56% and 3.50% at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s secured term loans had a carrying value of $232,540, net of debt discount of $1,275, with $14,798 classified as current portion of long-term debt.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s secured term loans had a carrying value of $282,739, net of debt discount of $2,011, with $33,500 classified as current portion of long-term debt.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

7.25% Senior Notes Due August 1, 2014

Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC (“Foundation PA”), one of the Company’s subsidiaries, has notes that mature on August 1, 2014 (the “2014 Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $298,285 at both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The 2014 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries other than Foundation PA and ANR Receivables Funding LLC. The 2014 Notes pay interest semi-annually and are redeemable at Foundation PA’s option, at a redemption price equal to 102.417%, 101.208% and 100% of the principal amount if redeemed during the twelve month periods beginning August 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, plus accrued interest.  As of September 30, 2010, the carrying value of the 2014 Notes was $297,202, net of debt discount of $1,083.  As of December 31, 2009, the carrying value of the 2014 Notes was $296,990, net of debt discount of $1,295.

2.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due April 15, 2015

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had $287,500 aggregate principal amount of 2.375% convertible senior notes due April 15, 2015. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, and will mature on April 15, 2015, unless previously repurchased by the Company or converted.  The Company accounts for the Convertible Notes under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470-20, which requires issuers of convertible debt instruments that may be settled wholly or partially in cash upon conversion to separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner reflective of the issuers’ nonconvertible debt borrowing rate.  The related deferred loan costs and discount are being amortized and accreted, respectively, over the seven-year term of the Convertible Notes, and provide for an effective interest rate of 8.64%.  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the carrying amounts of the debt component were $219,301 and $210,524, respectively.  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the unamortized debt discount was $68,199 and $76,976, respectively.

Accounts Receivable Securitization

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $150,000 accounts receivable securitization facility with a third party financial institution (the “A/R Facility”).  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, letters of credit in the amount of $141,612 and $143,474, respectively, were outstanding under the A/R Facility and no cash borrowing transactions had taken place.

(8)   Asset Retirement Obligations

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had recorded asset retirement obligation accruals for mine reclamation and closure costs (including perpetual water treatment) totaling $219,691 and $205,632, respectively. The portion of the costs expected to be paid within a year of $10,987 and $14,908, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. There were no assets that were legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2010 or December 31, 2009. The Company is self-bonded for its asset retirement obligations in West Virginia and Wyoming, subject to periodic evaluation of the Company’s financial position by the applicable state and meeting certain financial ratios defined by each state. Asset retirement obligations for states other than Wyoming and West Virginia are secured by surety bonds.

Changes in the asset retirement obligations were as follows:

Total asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2009
  $ 205,632  
Additions for the period
    615  
Accretion for the period
    13,131  
Revisions in estimated cash flows(1)
    4,449  
Expenditures for the period
    (4,136 )
Total asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2010
  $ 219,691  
Less current portion
    10,987  
Long-term portion
  $ 208,704  
 
(1)
Revisions in estimated cash flows include $4,538 of a reduction in the asset retirement obligation resulting from the transfer of the related property to a third party.
 

ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(9)   Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

The estimated fair values of financial instruments are determined based on relevant market information. These estimates involve uncertainty and cannot be determined with precision. The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets, trade accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt: The fair value of the Convertible Notes was estimated using observable market prices as these securities are traded. The fair value of the 2014 Notes and the term loan due 2014 is estimated based on a current market rate of interest offered to the Company for debt of similar maturities.

The estimated fair values of long-term debt were as follows:

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Term loan due 2014(1)
  $ 232,540     $ 232,500     $ 282,739     $ 279,055  
7.25% senior notes due 2014(2)
    297,202       304,996       296,990       302,014  
2.375% convertible senior notes due 2015(3)
    219,301       322,000       210,524       325,953  
Total long-term debt
  $ 749,043     $ 859,496     $ 790,253     $ 907,022  

(1)
Net of debt discount of $1,275 and $2,011 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
(2)
Net of debt discount of $1,083 and $1,295 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
(3)
Net of debt discount of $68,199 and $76,976 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

ASC 820 requires disclosures about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  As required by ASC 820, financial and non-financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the determination of fair value for assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Total Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets (liabilities):
                       
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 172,889     $ 172,889     $ -     $ -  
Corporate debt securities
  $ 127,578     $ -     $ 127,578     $ -  
Forward coal sales
  $ (1,744 )   $ -     $ (1,744 )   $ -  
Forward coal purchases
  $ 273     $ -     $ 273     $ -  
Commodity swaps
  $ 43     $ -     $ 43     $ -  
Commodity options
  $ (630 )   $ -     $ (630 )   $ -  
Interest rate swaps
  $ (24,439 )   $ -     $ (24,439 )   $ -  


   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Total Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets (liabilities):
                       
U.S. treasury and agency securities
  $ 111,800     $ 111,800     $ -     $ -  
Corporate debt securities
  $ 7,186     $ -     $ 7,186     $ -  
Forward coal sales
  $ 3,414     $ -     $ 3,414     $ -  
Forward coal purchases
  $ (2,861 )   $ -     $ (2,861 )   $ -  
Commodity swaps
  $ (8,691 )   $ -     $ (8,691 )   $ -  
Commodity options
  $ (255 )   $ -     $ (255 )   $ -  
Interest rate swaps
  $ (24,232 )   $ -     $ (24,232 )   $ -  
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the tables above.

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements

U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities – The fair value of marketable securities is based on observable market data.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Forward Coal Purchases and Sales – The fair values of the forward coal purchase and sale contracts were estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon actual prices and forward commodity price curves. The curves were obtained from independent pricing services reflecting broker market quotes. The fair values are adjusted for counter-party risk, when applicable.

Commodity Swaps – Since the Company’s commodity swaps are not traded on a market exchange, the fair values are estimated using valuation models from a third party provider which include assumptions about commodity prices based on those observed in the underlying markets. The fair values are adjusted for counter-party risk, when applicable.

Commodity Options – The fair values of the commodity options were estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward commodity price curves. The curves were obtained from independent pricing services reflecting broker market quotes. The fair values are adjusted for counter-party risk, when applicable.

Interest Rate Swaps – The fair values of the interest rate swaps were estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward interest-rate yield curves. The curves were obtained from independent pricing services reflecting broker market quotes. The fair values are adjusted for counter-party risk, when applicable.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Corporate Debt Securities – The fair values of the Company’s corporate debt securities are obtained from a third-party pricing service provider.  The fair values provided by the pricing service provider are estimated using pricing models, where the inputs to those models are based on observable market inputs including credit spreads and broker-dealer quotes, among other inputs.  The Company classifies the prices obtained from the pricing services within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the underlying inputs are directly observable from active markets.  However, the pricing models used do entail a certain amount of subjectivity and therefore differing judgments in how the underlying inputs are modeled could result in different estimates of fair value.

(10) Derivative Financial Instruments

Forward Contracts

The Company manages price risk for coal sales and purchases through the use of coal supply agreements. The Company evaluates each of its coal sales and coal purchase forward contracts to determine whether they meet the definition of a derivative and if so, whether they qualify for the normal purchase normal sale (“NPNS”) exception prescribed by ASC 815-10-10. The majority of the Company’s forward contracts do not meet the definition of a derivative. For those contracts that do meet the definition of a derivative, they generally also qualify for the NPNS exception based on management’s intent and ability to physically deliver or take physical delivery of the coal. Contracts that meet the definition of a derivative and do not qualify for the NPNS exception are accounted for at fair value and, accordingly, the Company includes the unrealized gains and losses in current period earnings or losses.

Swap Agreements

Commodity Swaps

The Company uses diesel fuel and explosives in its production process and incurs significant expenses for the purchase of these commodities. Diesel fuel and explosives expenses represented approximately 7% of cost of coal sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company is subject to the risk of price volatility for these commodities and as a part of its risk management strategy, the Company enters into swap agreements with financial institutions to mitigate the risk of price volatility for both diesel fuel and explosives. The terms of the swap agreements allow the Company to pay a fixed price and receive a floating price, which provides a fixed price per unit for the volume of purchases being hedged. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had swap agreements outstanding to hedge the variable cash flows related to 58% and 50% of anticipated diesel fuel usage for calendar years 2010 and 2011, respectively. The average fixed price per swap for diesel fuel hedges is $2.33 per gallon and $2.38 per gallon for calendar years 2010 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had swap agreements outstanding to hedge the variable cash flows related to approximately 46% and 32% of anticipated explosives usage in the Powder River Basin for calendar years 2010 and 2011, respectively. All cash flows associated with derivative instruments are classified as operating cash flows in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

The Company sells coalbed methane through its Coal Gas Recovery business. The revenues derived from the sale of coalbed methane are subject to volatility based on the changes in natural gas prices. In order to reduce that risk, the Company enters into “pay variable, receive fixed” natural gas swaps for a portion of its anticipated gas production in order to fix the selling price for a portion of its production. The natural gas swaps have been designated as qualifying cash flow hedges. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had swap agreements outstanding to hedge the variable cash flows related to approximately 75% and 33% of anticipated natural gas production in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company has variable rate debt outstanding and is subject to interest rate risk based on volatility in underlying interest rates. The Company previously entered into pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps to convert the Company’s previous variable-rate term loan into fixed-rate debt. The interest rate swaps were designated as qualifying cash flow hedges. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company repaid the related term loan and de-designated the swaps as cash flow hedges. The Company did not terminate the interest rate swaps due to the swaps’ potential benefit in offsetting a portion of the effect of interest rate changes in the Company’s other variable rate debt. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in Interest expense.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

The following tables present the fair values and location of the Company’s derivative instruments within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

   
Asset Derivatives
 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Commodity swaps (1)
  $ 7,157     $ 2,222  
                 
                 
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Forward coal purchases (2)
  $ 273     $ -  
Forward coal sales (3)
    -       3,414  
Commodity swaps (4)
    140       5,066  
Total
  $ 413     $ 8,480  
                 
Total asset derivatives
  $ 7,570     $ 10,702  

(1)
As of September 30, 2010, $5,748 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1,409 is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of December 31, 2009, $390 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1,832 is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)
As of September 30, 2010, $81 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $192 is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)
As of December 31, 2009, $3,216 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $198 is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)
As of September 30, 2010, $140 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2009, $4,333 is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $733 is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

   
Liability Derivatives
 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Commodity swaps (1)
  $ 6,217     $ 1,148  
                 
                 
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Forward coal purchases (2)
  $ -     $ 2,861  
Forward coal sales (3)
    1,744       -  
Commodity swaps (4)
    1,037       14,831  
Commodity options-coal (5)
    630       255  
Interest rate swap (6)
    24,439       24,232  
Total
  $ 27,850     $ 42,179  
                 
Total liability derivatives
  $ 34,067     $ 43,327  

(1)
As of September 30, 2010, $5,945 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $272 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2009, $1,148 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)
As of December 31, 2009, $2,861 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)
As of September 30, 2010, $1,402 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $342 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)
As of September 30, 2010, $923 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $114 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2009, $10,833 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3,998 in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(5)
As of September 30, 2010, $630 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2009, $119 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $136 in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(6)
As of September 30, 2010, $12,687 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $11,752 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2009, $11,500 is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $12,732 is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

The following tables present the gains and losses from derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and their location within the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

   
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings
   
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Commodity swaps (1)
  $ (361 )   $ 132     $ 2,330     $ (445 )
Interest rate swaps (2)
    -       (17,668 )     -       3,293  
Total
  $ (361 )   $ (17,536 )   $ 2,330     $ 2,848  

(1)
Amounts are recorded as a component of other expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Amounts are recorded as a component of interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

   
Gain (loss) recorded in earnings
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedging instruments
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Forward coal sales (1)
  $ (2,093 )   $ (3,173 )   $ (5,159 )   $ (2,777 )
Forward coal purchases (1)
    2,677       4,063       3,134       3,568  
Commodity swaps (2)
    128       354       (483 )     15,673  
Commodity options-diesel fuel (2)
    (3 )     -       (94 )     -  
Commodity options-coal (1)
    (217 )     204       (375 )     204  
Interest rate swaps (3)
    (2,951 )     (7,933 )     (8,903 )     (7,933 )
Total
  $ (2,459 )   $ (6,485 )   $ (11,880 )   $ 8,735  

(1)
Amounts are recorded as a component of other revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Amounts are recorded as a component of other expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3)
Amounts are recorded as a component of interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to income or loss as the financial swaps settle and the Company purchases the underlying items that are being hedged. During the next twelve months, the Company expects to reclassify approximately ($1,337), net of tax, to earnings. The following table summarizes the changes to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to hedging activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 899     $ (20,961 )
Net change associated with current year hedging transactions
    2,330       2,848  
Net amounts reclassified to earnings
    (361 )     17,668  
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,868     $ (445 )


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(11) Income Taxes

The total income tax (benefit) expense provided on pretax income was allocated as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Continuing operations
  $ 1,660     $ (44,119 )   $ 18,010     $ (25,169 )
Discontinued operations
    (424 )     (2,765 )     (1,073 )     (5,099 )
Total
  $ 1,236     $ (46,884 )   $ 16,937     $ (30,268 )

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax expense at 35% to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and the actual income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Federal statutory income tax expense  (benefit)
  $ 11,908     $ (21,301 )   $ 36,478     $ 7,486  
Increases (reductions) in taxes due to:
                               
Percentage depletion allowance
    (13,355 )     (4,472 )     (44,275 )     (18,537 )
State taxes, net of federal tax impact
    (259 )     (2,336 )     (696 )     (158 )
Deduction for domestic production activities
    1,844       569       (1,927 )     -  
Change in valuation allowance
    -       (23,685 )     -       (21,330 )
Change in law - Medicare Part D Subsidy
    -       -       25,566       -  
Non-deductible transaction costs
    -       3,279       -       3,279  
Interest rate swaps
    -       3,938       -       3,938  
Other, net
    1,522       (111 )     2,864       153  
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations
  $ 1,660     $ (44,119 )   $ 18,010     $ (25,169 )

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “PPACA”) and the Reconciliation Act were signed into law in March 2010. As a result of these two acts, tax benefits available to employers that receive the Medicare Part D subsidy will be eliminated starting in years ending after December 31, 2012. Since these acts were signed into law during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, ASC 740 – Income Taxes, required that the effect of the tax law change be recorded immediately as a component of tax expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the income tax effect related to these acts was a reduction of $0 and $25,566, respectively, to the deferred tax asset related to the postretirement prescription drug benefits.

(12) Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors or participates in several benefit plans for its employees, including postemployment health care and life insurance, defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, and workers’ compensation and black lung benefits. In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed all of the employee benefit plans of Foundation (the “Foundation Plans”) and is contractually obligated to continue to provide similar or improved benefits to those Foundation Plans for a period of eighteen months after the Merger date.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs

The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
  $ 1,864     $ 1,386     $ 5,671     $ 1,386  
Interest cost
    3,407       2,391       10,646       2,391  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,349 )     (1,811 )     (9,805 )     (1,811 )
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    58       -       116       -  
Curtailment gain
    (5,052 )     -       (5,052 )     -  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ (3,072 )   $ 1,966     $ 1,576     $ 1,966  

Components of Net Periodic Costs of Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
  $ 2,576     $ 2,121     $ 7,679     $ 3,329  
Interest cost
    9,282       6,671       27,199       8,675  
Expected return on plan assets
    -       (21 )     -       (21 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    298       536       1,372       1,665  
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
    355       (50 )     104       (100 )
Curtailment gain
    -       -       -       (712 )
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 12,511     $ 9,257     $ 36,354     $ 12,836  

Components of Net Periodic Black Lung Costs

The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
  $ 360     $ 192     $ 1,034     $ 201  
Interest cost
    578       308       1,635       338  
Expected return on plan assets
    (17 )     (22 )     (53 )     (22 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    -       14       -       42  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    106       -       240       -  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1,027     $ 492     $ 2,856     $ 559  

In March 2010, the PPACA was enacted, potentially impacting the costs to provide healthcare benefits to the Company’s eligible active and certain retired employees and workers’ compensation benefits related to occupational disease resulting from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (“Black Lung”). The PPACA has both short-term and long-term implications on healthcare benefit plan standards. Implementation of this legislation is planned to occur in phases, with plan standard changes taking effect beginning in 2010, but to a greater extent with the 2011 benefit plan year and extending through 2018.  Plan standard changes that could affect the Company in the short term include raising the maximum age for covered dependents to receive benefits, the elimination of lifetime dollar limits per covered individual and restrictions on annual dollar limits per covered individual, among other standard requirements. Plan standard changes that are expected to affect the Company in the long term include an excise tax on “high cost” plans and the elimination of annual dollar limits per covered individual, among other standard requirements.

Beginning in 2018, the PPACA will impose a 40% excise tax on employers to the extent that the value of their healthcare plan coverage exceeds certain dollar thresholds. The Company re-measured its retiree welfare plan obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 in order to account for the estimated impact of the excise tax and updated other assumptions related to anticipated retirement ages and health care cost trend rates. The re-measurement resulted in an additional $27,100 increase to the retiree welfare plans obligation, which is included in pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company anticipates that certain government agencies will provide additional regulations or interpretations concerning the application of this excise tax. The Company will need to continue to evaluate the impact of the PPACA in future periods, and when these regulations or interpretations are published, the Company will evaluate its assumptions in light of the new information.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

The PPACA also amended previous legislation related to coal workers’ Black Lung, providing automatic extension of awarded lifetime benefits to surviving spouses and providing changes to the legal criteria used to assess and award claims. The Company evaluated the impact of these changes to its current population of beneficiaries and possible future claimants, and as a result re-measured the obligations for its self insured black lung plans as of March 31, 2010. The re-measurement resulted in an estimated $6,658 increase to the obligation as of March 31, 2010 included in other non-current liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company internally announced comprehensive integrated employee benefits programs which align the employee benefits of Old Alpha and Foundation employees.  As a result, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan assumed in the merger (the "Plans") were frozen, resulting in a curtailment gain of $5,052 being recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The Company re-measured the obligations related to the Plans and the Company's other postretirement benefit plan, resulting in estimated increases of $100,351and $24,405, to the other postretirement benefit and pension obligations, respectively, as of September 30, 2010, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes.

(13) Stock-Based Compensation Awards

On May 19, 2010, the Stockholders approved the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2010 LTIP”). The principal purpose of the 2010 LTIP is to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders by providing incentives to certain eligible persons who contribute significantly to the strategic and long-term performance objectives and growth of the Company. The 2010 LTIP provides for a variety of awards, including options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted share units (both time-based and performance-based), and any other type of award deemed by the Compensation Committee in its discretion to be consistent with the purposes of the 2010 LTIP.  The 2010 LTIP is currently authorized for the issuance of awards for up to 3,250,000 shares of common stock, and as of September 30, 2010, 3,249,018 shares of common stock were available for grant under the plan.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company awarded certain of its executives and key employees 364,140 time-based restricted share units and 265,636 performance-based restricted share units. The time-based share units vest, subject to continued employment, ratably over three-years or cliff vest after three years (with accelerated vesting upon a change of control and certain retirement scenarios). The performance-based share units cliff vest after three years, subject to continued employment and the satisfaction of the performance criteria (with accelerated vesting upon a change of control and certain retirement scenarios). The 265,636 performance-based restricted share units awarded during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 have the potential to be distributed from 0% to 200% of the awarded amount, depending on the actual results versus the pre-established performance criteria over the three-year period.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had three types of stock-based awards outstanding: restricted stock, restricted share units (both time-based and performance-based), and stock options. Stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations totaled $7,395 and $19,179, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations totaled $24,403 and $26,650 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, approximately 76% and 79%, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations is reported as selling, general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, approximately 74% and 77%, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations is reported as selling, general and administrative expenses. Approximately 24% and 21%, of stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations was recorded as a component of cost of coal sales for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Approximately 26% and 23%, of stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations was recorded as a component of cost of coal sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In November 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase common shares from employees (upon the election by the employee) to satisfy the employees’ minimum statutory tax withholdings upon the vesting of restricted stock and restricted share units (both time-based and performance-based).  Shares that are repurchased to satisfy the employees’ minimum statutory tax withholdings are recorded in treasury stock at cost, and these shares are not added back into the pool of shares available for grant of the respective plans the shares were granted from. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 366,329 and 301,215, respectively, of common shares from employees at an average price paid per share of $45.26 and $28.20, respectively.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(14) Commitments and Contingencies

(a) General

Estimated losses from loss contingencies and legal expenses associated with contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the consolidated financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred and the loss is material.

(b) Commitments

In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed the obligations for a federal coal lease, which contains an estimated 224.0 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in the Powder River Basin. The lease bid was $180,500, payable in five equal annual installments of $36,108. The first two installments were paid in 2009 and 2008 by Foundation. The third installment was paid in 2010 by the Company. The two remaining annual installments of $36,108 each are due on May 1, the anniversary date of the lease in 2011 and 2012.

(c) Contingencies

Extensive regulation of the impacts of mining on the environment and of maintaining workplace safety, and related litigation, has had or may have a significant effect on the Company’s costs of production and results of operations. Further regulations, legislation or litigation in these areas may also cause the Company’s sales or profitability to decline by increasing costs or by hindering the Company’s ability to continue mining at existing operations or to permit new operations.

(d) Guarantees and Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to certain guarantees and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as bank letters of credit, performance or surety bonds, and other guarantees and indemnities related to the obligations of affiliated entities which are not reflected in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management does not expect any material losses to result from these guarantees or other off-balance sheet financial instruments. The amount of outstanding bank letters of credit issued under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program as of September 30, 2010 was $141,612. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $31,343 of additional letters of credit outstanding under the revolver.

(e) Legal Proceedings

The Company is a party to a number of legal proceedings incident to its normal business activities. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, the Company does not believe that any liability arising from these matters individually or in the aggregate should have a material impact upon its consolidated cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

Nicewonder Litigation

In December 2004, prior to the Company’s Nicewonder acquisition in October 2005, the Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation brought an action against the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways (“WVDOH”) and Nicewonder Contracting, Inc. ("NCI"), which became the Company’s wholly-owned indirect subsidiary as a result of the Nicewonder acquisition, in the United States District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia. The plaintiff sought a declaration that the contract between NCI and the State of West Virginia related to NCI's road construction project was illegal as a violation of applicable West Virginia and federal competitive bidding and prevailing wage laws. The plaintiff also sought an injunction prohibiting performance of the contract but has not sought monetary damages.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

In September 2007, the Court ruled that the WVDOH and the Federal Highway Administration (which is now a party to the suit) could not, under the circumstances of this case, enter into a contract that did not require the contractor to pay the prevailing wages as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. In anticipation of a potential Court directive that the contract be renegotiated for such payment, for which the WVDOH had committed to reimburse NCI, the Company recorded a $9,000 long-term liability for the potential obligations under the ruling and an offsetting $9,000 long-term receivable for the recovery of these costs from the WVDOH.

On September 30, 2009, the Court issued an order that dismissed or denied for lack of standing all of the plaintiff’s claims under federal law and remanded the remaining state claims to circuit court in Kanawha County, WV for resolution. The Court also vacated portions of its September 2007 order, and held that the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue the Davis-Bacon Act claim and further concluded that no private right of action exists to challenge the absence of a provision in a contract for highway construction requiring payment of prevailing wages established by the Davis-Bacon Act.  As a result of the September 30, 2009 ruling, the Company’s previously established long-term liability and offsetting long-term receivable of $9,000 have been reversed.

On May 7, 2010, the Circuit Court of Kanawha County entered Summary Judgment in favor of NCI.  The plaintiffs have filed a petition for appeal with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, but the Court of Appeals has not yet accepted the appeal.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(15) Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Total comprehensive loss is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010:

   
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2010
   
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2010
 
Net income
  $ 31,874     $ 84,712  
Adjustments to unrecognized losses and amortization of employee benefit costs, net of tax effect of $47,791 and $59,890 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively
    (76,148 )     (95,427 )
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect of $(2,581) and $(1,234) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively
    4,337       1,969  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax effect of $(33) and $(230) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively
    53       365  
Total comprehensive loss
  $ (39,884 )   $ (8,381 )

Total comprehensive income is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:

   
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
   
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (16,265 )   $ 40,058  
Change in fair value and the de-designation of cash flow hedge related to interest rate swaps, net of tax effect of ($5,810) and ($6,968), for the three months and nine months, respectively
    17,455       20,961  
Adjustment related to postretirement medical, net of tax effect of $1,276 and ($3,190), for the three months and nine months, respectively
    (790 )     5,003  
Adjustment related to black lung obligations, net of tax effect of ($8) and ($20), for the three months and nine months, repectively
    13       48  
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge related to natural gas, net of tax effect of ($45) for the three months and nine months, repectively
    83       83  
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge related to diesel fuel swaps, net of tax effect of $40 and ($231) for the three months and nine months, respectively
    (214 )     361  
Total comprehensive income
  $ 282     $ 66,514  

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Adjustments to unrecognized gains and losses and amortization of employee benefit costs, net of tax effect of $53,788 and ($6,102) as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    (90,294 )     5,133  
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax effect of $(1,786) and ($552) as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    2,868       899  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax effect of $(90) and $140 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    145       (220 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (87,281 )   $ 5,812  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(16) Segment Information

The Company discloses information about operating segments using the management approach, where segments are determined and reported based on the way that management organizes the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance.  The Company periodically evaluates its application of accounting guidance for reporting its segments.

The Company extracts, processes and markets steam and metallurgical coal from surface and deep mines for sale to electric utilities, steel and coke producers, and industrial customers. The Company operates only in the United States with mines in Central Appalachia, Northern Appalachia, and the Powder River Basin. Prior to the Merger, Old Alpha had only one reportable segment, Coal Operations, which included operations in Central and Northern Appalachia. As a result of the Merger, the Company changed its organizational structure and re-evaluated its reportable segments.  Based on a review of the required economic characteristics, the Company aggregated its operating segments into two reportable segments: Western Coal Operations, which consists of two Powder River Basin surface mines as of September 30, 2010 and Eastern Coal Operations, which consists of 38 underground mines and 24 surface mines in Central and Northern Appalachia as of September 30, 2010, as well as the Company’s road construction business which operates in Central Appalachia and its coal brokerage activities.

In addition to the two reportable segments, the All Other category includes an idled underground mine in Illinois; expenses associated with closed mines; Dry Systems Technologies; revenues and royalties from the sale of coalbed methane and natural gas extraction; equipment sales and repair operations; terminal services; the leasing of mineral rights; general corporate overhead and corporate assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on EBITDA from continuing operations, which the Company defines as income from continuing operations plus interest expense, income tax expense, amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net, and depreciation, depletion and amortization, less interest income and income tax benefit.

Segment operating results and capital expenditures from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010 were as follows:

 
 
Eastern Coal Operations
   
Western Coal Operations
   
All Other
   
Consolidated
 
Total revenues
  $ 850,690     $ 139,353     $ 11,589     $ 1,001,632  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
  $ 75,932     $ 14,636     $ 3,435     $ 94,003  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
  $ 28,403     $ 23,995     $ -     $ 52,398  
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 171,547     $ 25,239     $ 503     $ 197,289  
Capital expenditures
  $ 58,645     $ 13,685     $ 14,735     $ 87,065  

Segment operating results and capital expenditures from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 
 
Eastern Coal Operations
   
Western Coal Operations
   
All Other
   
Consolidated
 
Total revenues
  $ 632,739     $ 90,240     $ 6,267     $ 729,246  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
  $ 65,710     $ 10,277     $ 2,259     $ 78,246  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
  $ 38,169     $ 19,814     $ -     $ 57,983  
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 165,409     $ 18,120     $ (65,619 )   $ 117,910  
Capital expenditures
  $ 50,307     $ 4,242     $ 2,157     $ 56,706  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Segment operating results and capital expenditures from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were as follows:

 
 
Eastern Coal Operations
   
Western Coal Operations
   
All Other
   
Consolidated
 
Total revenues
  $ 2,494,433     $ 395,941     $ 33,667     $ 2,924,041  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
  $ 226,168     $ 43,628     $ 10,432     $ 280,228  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
  $ 106,254     $ 67,734     $ -     $ 173,988  
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 566,311     $ 63,549     $ (15,458 )   $ 614,402  
Capital expenditures
  $ 162,041     $ 29,197     $ 31,722     $ 222,960  
Acquisition of mineral rights under federal lease
  $ -     $ 36,108     $ -     $ 36,108  

Segment operating results and capital expenditures from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 
 
Eastern Coal Operations
   
Western Coal Operations
   
All Other
   
Consolidated
 
Total revenues
  $ 1,493,737     $ 90,240     $ 18,243     $ 1,602,220  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
  $ 140,833     $ 10,277     $ 3,693     $ 154,803  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
  $ 38,169     $ 19,814     $ -     $ 57,983  
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 339,694     $ 18,120     $ (62,059 )   $ 295,755  
Capital expenditures
  $ 93,551     $ 4,242     $ 5,023     $ 102,816  

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA from continuing operations to income (loss) from continuing operations:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 197,289     $ 117,910     $ 614,402     $ 295,755  
Interest expense
    (17,834 )     (42,835 )     (58,458 )     (62,854 )
Interest income
    967       295       2,495       1,275  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (1,660 )     44,119       (18,010 )     25,169  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (94,003 )     (78,246 )     (280,228 )     (154,803 )
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    (52,398 )     (57,983 )     (173,988 )     (57,983 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 32,361     $ (16,740 )   $ 86,213     $ 46,559  

The following table presents total assets and goodwill as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
Assets
   
Goodwill
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Eastern Coal Operations
  $ 3,903,766     $ 3,646,275     $ 323,220     $ 323,220  
Western Coal Operations
    292,990       722,082       53,308       53,308  
All Other
    977,665       751,986       5,912       5,912  
Total
  $ 5,174,421     $ 5,120,343     $ 382,440     $ 382,440  

The Company markets produced, processed, and purchased coal to customers in the United States and in international markets. Export revenues totaled $358,182 and $988,711, or approximately 36% and 35%, respectively, of total coal and freight revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Export revenues totaled $202,742 and $524,319, or approximately 29% and 34%, of total coal and freight revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(17) Discontinued Operations

Kingwood Mining Company, LLC

On December 3, 2008, the Company announced the permanent closure of Kingwood.  The decision was a result of adverse geologic conditions and regulatory requirements that rendered the coal seam unmineable at this location. The mine stopped producing coal in early January 2009 and Kingwood ceased equipment recovery operations at the end of April 2009. Beginning in the first quarter of 2009, the results of operations for the current and prior periods have been reported as discontinued operations.

The following table reflects the activities for Kingwood’s discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Total revenues
  $ 34     $ -     $ 34     $ 3,496  
Costs and expenses
    (911 )     (2,296 )     (2,591 )     (15,102 )
Loss from operations
    (877 )     (2,296 )     (2,557 )     (11,606 )
Miscellaneous income (expense)
    (34 )     6       (17 )     6  
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations
    424       2,765       1,073       5,099  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ (487 )   $ 475     $ (1,501 )   $ (6,501 )

The assets and liabilities of Kingwood as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are shown below:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
  $ 340     $ 1,636  
Other assets
    440       442  
Total assets of discontinued operations
    780       2,078  
                 
Current liabilities
    2,740       4,830  
Non-current liabilities
    11,725       10,166  
Total liabilities of discontinued operations
    14,465       14,996  
                 
Net liability
  $ (13,685 )   $ (12,918 )

(18) Mergers and Acquisitions

Merger with Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc.
On May 11, 2009, Old Alpha and Foundation executed an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which Old Alpha was to be merged with and into Foundation, with Foundation continuing as the surviving corporation of the Merger. On July 31, 2009, the Merger was completed and Foundation was renamed Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation for the Merger and recorded an immaterial correction to the December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet to reflect the adjustments as if they were recorded on the acquisition date. The increase to goodwill is reported in the Company’s Eastern Coal Operations, Western Coal Operations and All Other category as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

The following table presents the details of the preliminary purchase price allocation reported in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the adjustments made in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the final purchase price allocation.

   
Preliminary
December 31, 2009
   
Adjustments (1)
   
Final
December 31, 2009
 
Cash
  $ 23,505     $ -     $ 23,505  
Trade accounts receivable
    83,531       -       83,531  
Coal inventories
    47,433       -       47,433  
Other current assets
    61,269       -       61,269  
Property and equipment
    716,749       -       716,749  
Owned lands
    76,134       -       76,134  
Owned and leased mineral rights
    1,873,347       (27,000 )     1,846,347  
Coal supply agreements
    529,507       -       529,507  
Other non-current assets
    14,296       -       14,296  
Goodwill
    337,321       24,572       361,893  
Total assets
    3,763,092       (2,428 )     3,760,664  
                         
Current liabilities
    (176,233 )     (12,729 )     (188,962 )
Long-term debt, net (including current portion)
    (595,817 )     -       (595,817 )
Asset retirement obligation (including current portion)
    (99,574 )     -       (99,574 )
Deferred income taxes
    (443,744 )     15,157       (428,587 )
Pension and post retirement obligations (including current portion)
    (713,095 )     -       (713,095 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (66,231 )     -       (66,231 )
Total liabilities
    (2,094,694 )     2,428       (2,092,266 )
                         
Net tangible and intangible assets acquired
  $ 1,668,398     $ -     $ 1,668,398  

(1)
Adjustments include an immaterial correction recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2010 which increased current liabilities and goodwill $3,468 and $2,145, respectively, and decreased deferred income taxes $1,323.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

(19)   Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information

On July 30, 2004, Foundation’s subsidiary, Foundation PA (the “2014 Notes Issuer”), issued the 2014 Notes. The 2014 Notes were guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Foundation Coal Corporation (“FCC”), an indirect parent of Foundation PA, and certain of its subsidiaries. As a result of the Merger, Foundation PA and FCC became subsidiaries of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

On August 1, 2009, in connection with the Merger, Foundation PA, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (which were also former subsidiaries of Old Alpha) (the “New Subsidiaries”) executed a supplemental indenture (the “Third Supplemental Indenture”), which supplements the indenture dated as of July 30, 2004 as supplemented, governing the 2014 Notes.

Pursuant to the Third Supplemental Indenture, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. assumed the obligations of FCC in respect of the 2014 Notes and, along with the New Subsidiaries, became obligated as guarantors on the indenture governing the 2014 Notes. On August 1, 2009, in connection with the Merger, FCC merged with and into Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. In accordance with the indenture governing the 2014 Notes, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries” under the 2014 Notes, referred to as the “2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries”, are each of the direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., other than the 2014 Notes Issuer and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiary. Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and the 2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2014 Notes, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis.

Presented below are condensed consolidating financial statements as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, based on the guarantor structure that was in place at September 30, 2010. As the Merger was treated as a “reverse acquisition” and Old Alpha was treated as the accounting acquirer, Old Alpha’s historical financial statements are the historical financial statements of the Company for comparative purposes. As a result, “Parent” in the tables below refers to Old Alpha in reference to dates prior to the Merger and to Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. in reference to dates following the Merger, and refers to Old Alpha or Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., as applicable, as a guarantor of the 2014 Notes; information is presented for “2014 Notes Issuer” only for dates following the Merger because the 2014 Notes Issuer was a subsidiary of Foundation prior to the Merger; and information for “2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries” prior to the Merger includes only those 2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries that were subsidiaries of Old Alpha prior to the Merger. "Non-Guarantor Subsidiary" refers, for the tables below dated as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, to ANR Receivables Funding LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Old Alpha and Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. formed on March 25, 2009 in connection with the A/R Facility, that was not and is not a guarantor of the 2014 Notes. Separate consolidated financial statements and other disclosures concerning the 2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because management believes that such information is not material to holders of the 2014 Notes or related guarantees.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2010

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Assets
                                   
Current assets:
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 24,629     $ -     $ 418,134     $ -     $ -     $ 442,763  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    -       -       16,147       301,826       -       317,973  
Inventories, net
    -       -       197,138       -       -       197,138  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    -       -       327,941       -       -       327,941  
Total current assets
    24,629       -       959,360       301,826       -       1,285,815  
                                                 
Property, equipment and mine development costs, net
    -       -       1,116,175       -       -       1,116,175  
Owned and leased mineral rights, net
    -       -       1,911,851       -       -       1,911,851  
Owned lands
    -       -       95,427       -       -       95,427  
Goodwill
    -       -       382,440       -       -       382,440  
Acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       -       217,186       -       -       217,186  
Other non-current assets
    5,508,953       1,601,635       4,017,931       46,224       (11,009,216 )     165,527  
Total assets
  $ 5,533,582     $ 1,601,635     $ 8,700,370     $ 348,050     $ (11,009,216 )   $ 5,174,421  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ -     $ 14,798     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 14,798  
Trade accounts payable
    766       -       164,603       -       -       165,369  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    3,130       5,645       289,471       60       -       298,306  
Total current liabilities
    3,896       20,443       454,074       60       -       478,473  
                                                 
Long-term debt
    219,302       514,943       -       -       -       734,245  
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    -       -       811,142       -       -       811,142  
Asset retirement obligations
    -       -       208,704       -       -       208,704  
Deferred income taxes
    -       -       212,902       -       -       212,902  
Other non-current liabilities
    2,732,075       671,273       1,869,045       342,402       (5,464,149 )     150,646  
Total liabilities
    2,955,273       1,206,659       3,555,867       342,462       (5,464,149 )     2,596,112  
                                                 
Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Total stockholders' equity
    2,578,309       394,976       5,144,503       5,588       (5,545,067 )     2,578,309  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,533,582     $ 1,601,635     $ 8,700,370     $ 348,050     $ (11,009,216 )   $ 5,174,421  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2009

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Assets
                                   
Current assets:
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 69,410     $ -     $ 396,459     $ -     $ -     $ 465,869  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    -       -       18,541       214,090       -       232,631  
Inventories, net
    -       -       176,372       -       -       176,372  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    -       -       176,953       -       -       176,953  
Total current assets
    69,410       -       768,325       214,090       -       1,051,825  
                                                 
Property, equipment and mine development costs, net
    -       -       1,082,446       -       -       1,082,446  
Owned and leased mineral rights, net
    -       -       1,958,855       -       -       1,958,855  
Owned lands
    -       -       91,262       -       -       91,262  
Goodwill
    -       -       382,440       -       -       382,440  
Acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       -       396,491       -       -       396,491  
Other non-current assets
    4,128,888       1,656,527       2,569,863       49,472       (8,247,726 )     157,024  
Total assets
  $ 4,198,298     $ 1,656,527     $ 7,249,682     $ 263,562     $ (8,247,726 )   $ 5,120,343  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ -     $ 33,500     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 33,500  
Trade accounts payable
    1,469       -       151,193       -       -       152,662  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    1,423       9,552       262,217       68       -       273,260  
Total current liabilities
    2,892       43,052       413,410       68       -       459,422  
                                                 
Long-term debt
    210,524       546,229       -       -       -       756,753  
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    -       -       682,991       -       -       682,991  
Asset retirement obligations
    -       -       190,724       -       -       190,724  
Deferred income taxes
    -       -       301,307       -       -       301,307  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,393,593       671,273       601,005       259,172       (2,787,186 )     137,857  
Total liabilities
    1,607,009       1,260,554       2,189,437       259,240       (2,787,186 )     2,529,054  
                                                 
Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Total stockholders' equity
    2,591,289       395,973       5,060,245       4,322       (5,460,540 )     2,591,289  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 4,198,298     $ 1,656,527     $ 7,249,682     $ 263,562     $ (8,247,726 )   $ 5,120,343  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                                   
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ 896,435     $ -     $ -     $ 896,435  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       -       85,330       -       -       85,330  
Other revenues
    -       -       17,697       2,170       -       19,867  
Total revenues
    -       -       999,462       2,170       -       1,001,632  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       -       664,723       -       -       664,723  
Freight and handling costs
    -       -       85,330       -       -       85,330  
Other expenses
    -       -       11,967       -       -       11,967  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       -       94,003       -       -       94,003  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       -       52,398       -       -       52,398  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    (14 )     -       42,880       718       -       43,584  
Total costs and expenses
    (14 )     -       951,301       718       -       952,005  
Income from operations
    14       -       48,161       1,452       -       49,627  
Other income (expense):
                                               
Interest expense
    (4,225 )     (9,366 )     (3,493 )     (750 )     -       (17,834 )
Interest income
    -       -       967       -       -       967  
Miscellaneous expense, net
    -       -       1,261       -       -       1,261  
Total other expense, net
    (4,225 )     (9,366 )     (1,265 )     (750 )     -       (15,606 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (4,211 )     (9,366 )     46,896       702       -       34,021  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    1,642       3,653       (6,681 )     (274 )     -       (1,660 )
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    34,443       (7,201 )     -       -       (27,242 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    31,874       (12,914 )     40,215       428       (27,242 )     32,361  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       -       (911 )     -       -       (911 )
Income tax benefit
    -       -       424       -       -       424  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       (487 )     -       -       (487 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 31,874     $ (12,914 )   $ 39,728     $ 428     $ (27,242 )   $ 31,874  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                                   
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ 662,396     $ -     $ -     $ 662,396  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       -       47,592       -       -       47,592  
Other revenues
    -       -       18,239       1,019       -       19,258  
Total revenues
    -       -       728,227       1,019       -       729,246  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       -       469,451       -       -       469,451  
Freight and handling costs
    -       -       47,592       -       -       47,592  
Other expenses
    -       -       11,251       -       -       11,251  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       -       78,246       -       -       78,246  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
                    57,983                       57,983  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    16       -       77,835       406       -       78,257  
Total costs and expenses
    16       -       742,358       406       -       742,780  
(Loss) Income from operations
    (16 )     -       (14,131 )     613       -       (13,534 )
Other income (expense):
                                               
Interest expense
    (7,917 )     (7,158 )     (27,298 )     (462 )     -       (42,835 )
Interest income
    -       -       295       -       -       295  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       -       (5,641 )                     (5,641 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
    -       (146 )     1,002       -       -       856  
Total other expense, net
    (7,917 )     (7,304 )     (31,642 )     (462 )     -       (47,325 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (7,933 )     (7,304 )     (45,773 )     151       -       (60,859 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    3,094       2,849       38,176       -       -       44,119  
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (11,426 )     16,146       (4,315 )     -       (405 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (16,265 )     11,691       (11,912 )     151       (405 )     (16,740 )
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       -       (2,290 )     -       -       (2,290 )
Income tax benefit
    -       -       2,765       -       -       2,765  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       475       -       -       475  
Net income (loss)
  $ (16,265 )   $ 11,691     $ (11,437 )   $ 151     $ (405 )   $ (16,265 )


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                                   
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,621,805     $ -     $ -     $ 2,621,805  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       -       240,386       -       -       240,386  
Other revenues
    -       -       55,355       6,495       -       61,850  
Total revenues
    -       -       2,917,546       6,495       -       2,924,041  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       -       1,896,989       -       -       1,896,989  
Freight and handling costs
    -       -       240,386       -       -       240,386  
Other expenses
    -       -       36,094       -       -       36,094  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       -       280,228       -       -       280,228  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       -       173,988       -       -       173,988  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    -       -       133,418       2,186       -       135,604  
Total costs and expenses
    -       -       2,761,103       2,186       -       2,763,289  
Income from operations
    -       -       156,443       4,309       -       160,752  
Other income (expense):
                                               
Interest expense
    (13,853 )     (32,728 )     (9,643 )     (2,234 )     -       (58,458 )
Interest income
    -       -       2,495       -       -       2,495  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       -       (1,349 )     -       -       (1,349 )
Miscellaneous expense, net
    -       -       783       -       -       783  
Total other expense, net
    (13,853 )     (32,728 )     (7,714 )     (2,234 )     -       (56,529 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (13,853 )     (32,728 )     148,729       2,075       -       104,223  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    5,402       12,764       (35,367 )     (809 )     -       (18,010 )
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    93,163       18,967       -       -       (112,130 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    84,712       (997 )     113,362       1,266       (112,130 )     86,213  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       -       (2,574 )     -       -       (2,574 )
Income tax benefit
    -       -       1,073       -       -       1,073  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       (1,501 )     -       -       (1,501 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 84,712     $ (997 )   $ 111,861     $ 1,266     $ (112,130 )   $ 84,712  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                                   
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,423,169     $ -     $ -     $ 1,423,169  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       -       129,091       -       -       129,091  
Other revenues
    -       -       47,731       2,229       -       49,960  
Total revenues
    -       -       1,599,991       2,229       -       1,602,220  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       -       1,039,490       -       -       1,039,490  
Freight and handling costs
    -       -       129,091       -       -       129,091  
Other expenses
    -       -       15,650       -       -       15,650  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       -       154,803       -       -       154,803  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       -       57,983       -       -       57,983  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    77       -       116,922       631       -       117,630  
Total costs and expenses
    77       -       1,513,939       631       -       1,514,647  
(Loss) income from operations
    (77 )     -       86,052       1,598       -       87,573  
Other income (expense):
                                               
Interest expense
    (17,174 )     (7,158 )     (37,622 )     (900 )     -       (62,854 )
Interest income
    -       -       1,275       -       -       1,275  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       -       (5,641 )     -       -       (5,641 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
    -       (146 )     1,183       -       -       1,037  
Total other expense, net
    (17,174 )     (7,304 )     (40,805 )     (900 )     -       (66,183 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (17,251 )     (7,304 )     45,247       698       -       21,390  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    6,728       2,849       15,805       (213 )     -       25,169  
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    50,581       16,146       (4,315 )     -       (62,412 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    40,058       11,691       56,737       485       (62,412 )     46,559  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       -       (11,600 )     -       -       (11,600 )
Income tax benefit
    -       -       5,099       -       -       5,099  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       -       (6,501 )     -       -       (6,501 )
Net income  (loss)
  $ 40,058     $ 11,691     $ 50,236     $ 485     $ (62,412 )   $ 40,058  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Total Consolidated
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (12,146 )   $ (37,447 )   $ 554,149     $ 6,495     $ 511,051  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Capital expenditures
  $ -     $ -     $ (222,960 )   $ -     $ (222,960 )
Acquisition of mineral rights under federal lease
    -       -       (36,108 )     -       (36,108 )
Purchase of equity-method investment
    -       -       (3,000 )     -       (3,000 )
Purchase of other investment
    -       -       (4,000 )     -       (4,000 )
Purchases of marketable securities, net
    -       -       (181,312 )     -       (181,312 )
Other, net
    -       -       2,043       -       2,043  
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ -     $ -     $ (445,337 )   $ -     $ (445,337 )
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Principal repayments of long-term debt
  $ -     $ (50,934 )   $ -     $ -     $ (50,934 )
Debt issuance costs
    -       (8,710 )     -       -       (8,710 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
    -       -       8,112       -       8,112  
Common stock repurchases
    (41,580 )     -       -       -       (41,580 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,292       -       -       -       4,292  
Transactions with affiliates
    4,653       97,091       (95,249 )     (6,495 )     -  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
  $ (32,635 )   $ 37,447     $ (87,137 )   $ (6,495 )   $ (88,820 )
                                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (44,781 )   $ -     $ 21,675     $ -     $ (23,106 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    69,410       -       396,459       -       465,869  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 24,629     $ -     $ 418,134     $ -     $ 442,763  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent
   
2014 Notes Issuer
   
2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Total Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 24,662     $ 8,375     $ 128,189     $ 890     $ 162,116  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Capital expenditures
  $ -     $ -     $ (102,816 )   $ -     $ (102,816 )
Cash acquired from a merger
    23,505       -       -       -       23,505  
Other, net
    (1,750 )     -       657       -       (1,093 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ 21,755     $ -     $ (102,159 )   $ -     $ (80,404 )
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Principal repayments of note payable
  $ -     $ -     $ (16,429 )   $ -     $ (16,429 )
Principal repayments of long-term debt
    -       (8,375 )     (233,125 )     -       (241,500 )
Debt issuance costs
    -       -       (11,218 )     -       (11,218 )
Common stock repurchases
    (8,495 )     -       -       -       (8,495 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    2,419       -       -       -       2,419  
Other, net
    -       -       (232 )     (890 )     (1,122 )
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (6,076 )   $ (8,375 )   $ (261,004 )   $ (890 )   $ (276,345 )
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 40,341     $ -     $ (234,974 )   $ -     $ (194,633 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    73,321       -       602,869       -       676,190  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 113,662     $ -     $ 367,895     $ -     $ 481,557  

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. may issue new registered debt securities (the “New Notes”) in the future that will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior or subordinated unsecured basis by the 2014 Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries and the 2014 Notes Issuer (collectively, the “New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

Presented below are condensed consolidating financial statements as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, based on the guarantor structure that would be in place in the event Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. issues New Notes in the future. As the Merger is treated as a “reverse acquisition” and Old Alpha is treated as the accounting acquirer, Old Alpha’s historical financial statements became the historical financial statements of the Company for comparative purposes. As a result, “Parent” in the tables below refers to Old Alpha in reference to dates prior to the Merger and to Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. in reference to dates following the Merger, and refers to Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. as the issuer of any New Notes that may be issued in the future; and information for “New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries” prior to the Merger includes only those New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries that were subsidiaries of Old Alpha prior to the Merger. "Non-Guarantor Subsidiary" refers, for the tables below dated as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, to ANR Receivables Funding LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Old Alpha and Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. formed on March 25, 2009 in connection with the A/R Facility, that was not and would not be a guarantor of the New Notes. Separate consolidated financial statements and other disclosures concerning the New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because management believes that such information would not be material to holders of any New Notes or related guarantees that may be issued by the Company.


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2010

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Assets
                             
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 24,629     $ 418,134     $ -     $ -     $ 442,763  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    -       16,147       301,826       -       317,973  
Inventories, net
    -       197,138       -       -       197,138  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    -       327,941       -       -       327,941  
Total current assets
    24,629       959,360       301,826       -       1,285,815  
                                         
Property, equipment and mine development costs, net
    -       1,116,175       -       -       1,116,175  
Owned and leased mineral rights, net
    -       1,911,851       -       -       1,911,851  
Owned lands
    -       95,427       -       -       95,427  
Goodwill
    -       382,440       -       -       382,440  
Acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       217,186       -       -       217,186  
Other non-current assets
    5,508,953       5,619,566       46,224       (11,009,216 )     165,527  
Total assets
  $ 5,533,582     $ 10,302,005     $ 348,050     $ (11,009,216 )   $ 5,174,421  
                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ -     $ 14,798     $ -     $ -     $ 14,798  
Trade accounts payable
    766       164,603       -       -       165,369  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    3,130       295,116       60       -       298,306  
Total current liabilities
    3,896       474,517       60       -       478,473  
                                         
Long-term debt
    219,302       514,943       -       -       734,245  
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    -       811,142       -       -       811,142  
Asset retirement obligations
    -       208,704       -       -       208,704  
Deferred income taxes
    -       212,902       -       -       212,902  
Other non-current liabilities
    2,732,075       2,540,318       342,402       (5,464,149 )     150,646  
Total liabilities
    2,955,273       4,762,526       342,462       (5,464,149 )     2,596,112  
                                         
Stockholders' Equity
                                       
Total stockholders' equity
    2,578,309       5,539,479       5,588       (5,545,067 )     2,578,309  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,533,582     $ 10,302,005     $ 348,050     $ (11,009,216 )   $ 5,174,421  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2009

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Assets
                             
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 69,410     $ 396,459     $ -     $ -     $ 465,869  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    -       18,541       214,090       -       232,631  
Inventories, net
    -       176,372       -       -       176,372  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    -       176,953       -       -       176,953  
Total current assets
    69,410       768,325       214,090       -       1,051,825  
                                         
Property, equipment and mine development costs, net
    -       1,082,446       -       -       1,082,446  
Owned and leased mineral rights, net
    -       1,958,855       -       -       1,958,855  
Owned lands
    -       91,262       -       -       91,262  
Goodwill
    -       382,440       -       -       382,440  
Acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       396,491       -       -       396,491  
Other non-current assets
    4,128,888       4,226,390       49,472       (8,247,726 )     157,024  
Total assets
  $ 4,198,298     $ 8,906,209     $ 263,562     $ (8,247,726 )   $ 5,120,343  
                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ -     $ 33,500     $ -     $ -     $ 33,500  
Trade accounts payable
    1,469       151,193       -       -       152,662  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    1,423       271,769       68       -       273,260  
Total current liabilities
    2,892       456,462       68       -       459,422  
                                         
Long-term debt
    210,524       546,229       -       -       756,753  
Pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations
    -       682,991       -       -       682,991  
Asset retirement obligations
    -       190,724       -       -       190,724  
Deferred income taxes
    -       301,307       -       -       301,307  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,393,593       1,272,278       259,172       (2,787,186 )     137,857  
Total liabilities
    1,607,009       3,449,991       259,240       (2,787,186 )     2,529,054  
                                         
Stockholders' Equity
                                       
Total stockholders' equity
    2,591,289       5,456,218       4,322       (5,460,540 )     2,591,289  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 4,198,298     $ 8,906,209     $ 263,562     $ (8,247,726 )   $ 5,120,343  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                             
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ 896,435     $ -     $ -     $ 896,435  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       85,330       -       -       85,330  
Other revenues
    -       17,697       2,170       -       19,867  
Total revenues
    -       999,462       2,170       -       1,001,632  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       664,723       -       -       664,723  
Freight and handling costs
    -       85,330       -       -       85,330  
Other expenses
    -       11,967       -       -       11,967  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       94,003       -       -       94,003  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       52,398       -       -       52,398  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    (14 )     42,880       718       -       43,584  
Total costs and expenses
    (14 )     951,301       718       -       952,005  
Income from operations
    14       48,161       1,452       -       49,627  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest expense
    (4,225 )     (12,859 )     (750 )     -       (17,834 )
Interest income
    -       967       -       -       967  
Miscellaneous expense, net
    -       1,261       -       -       1,261  
Total other expense, net
    (4,225 )     (10,631 )     (750 )     -       (15,606 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (4,211 )     37,530       702       -       34,021  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    1,642       (3,028 )     (274 )     -       (1,660 )
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    34,443       (7,201 )     -       (27,242 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    31,874       27,301       428       (27,242 )     32,361  
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       (911 )     -       -       (911 )
Income tax benefit
    -       424       -       -       424  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       (487 )     -       -       (487 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 31,874     $ 26,814     $ 428     $ (27,242 )   $ 31,874  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                             
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ 662,396     $ -     $ -     $ 662,396  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       47,592       -       -       47,592  
Other revenues
    -       18,239       1,019       -       19,258  
Total revenues
    -       728,227       1,019       -       729,246  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       469,451       -       -       469,451  
Freight and handling costs
    -       47,592       -       -       47,592  
Other expenses
    -       11,251       -       -       11,251  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       78,246       -       -       78,246  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       57,983       -       -       57,983  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    16       77,835       406       -       78,257  
Total costs and expenses
    16       742,358       406       -       742,780  
(Loss) Income from operations
    (16 )     (14,131 )     613       -       (13,534 )
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest expense
    (7,917 )     (34,456 )     (462 )     -       (42,835 )
Interest income
    -       295       -       -       295  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       (5,641 )     -       -       (5,641 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
    -       856       -       -       856  
Total other expense, net
    (7,917 )     (38,946 )     (462 )     -       (47,325 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (7,933 )     (53,077 )     151       -       (60,859 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    3,094       41,025       -       -       44,119  
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (11,426 )     11,831       -       (405 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (16,265 )     (221 )     151       (405 )     (16,740 )
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       (2,290 )     -       -       (2,290 )
Income tax benefit
    -       2,765       -       -       2,765  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       475       -       -       475  
Net income (loss)
  $ (16,265 )   $ 254     $ 151     $ (405 )   $ (16,265 )


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                             
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ 2,621,805     $ -     $ -     $ 2,621,805  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       240,386       -       -       240,386  
Other revenues
    -       55,355       6,495       -       61,850  
Total revenues
    -       2,917,546       6,495       -       2,924,041  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       1,896,989       -       -       1,896,989  
Freight and handling costs
    -       240,386       -       -       240,386  
Other expenses
    -       36,094       -       -       36,094  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       280,228       -       -       280,228  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       173,988       -       -       173,988  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    -       133,418       2,186       -       135,604  
Total costs and expenses
    -       2,761,103       2,186       -       2,763,289  
Income from operations
    -       156,443       4,309       -       160,752  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest expense
    (13,853 )     (42,371 )     (2,234 )     -       (58,458 )
Interest income
    -       2,495       -       -       2,495  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       (1,349 )     -       -       (1,349 )
Miscellaneous expense, net
    -       783       -       -       783  
Total other expense, net
    (13,853 )     (40,442 )     (2,234 )     -       (56,529 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (13,853 )     116,001       2,075       -       104,223  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    5,402       (22,603 )     (809 )     -       (18,010 )
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    93,163       18,967       -       (112,130 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    84,712       112,365       1,266       (112,130 )     86,213  
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       (2,574 )     -       -       (2,574 )
Income tax benefit
    -       1,073       -       -       1,073  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       (1,501 )     -       -       (1,501 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 84,712     $ 110,864     $ 1,266     $ (112,130 )   $ 84,712  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Eliminations
   
Total Consolidated
 
Revenues:
                             
Coal revenues
  $ -     $ 1,423,169     $ -     $ -     $ 1,423,169  
Freight and handling revenues
    -       129,091       -       -       129,091  
Other revenues
    -       47,731       2,229       -       49,960  
Total revenues
    -       1,599,991       2,229       -       1,602,220  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
    -       1,039,490       -       -       1,039,490  
Freight and handling costs
    -       129,091       -       -       129,091  
Other expenses
    -       15,650       -       -       15,650  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    -       154,803       -       -       154,803  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    -       57,983       -       -       57,983  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    77       116,922       631       -       117,630  
Total costs and expenses
    77       1,513,939       631       -       1,514,647  
(Loss) income from operations
    (77 )     86,052       1,598       -       87,573  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest expense
    (17,174 )     (44,780 )     (900 )     -       (62,854 )
Interest income
    -       1,275       -       -       1,275  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       (5,641 )     -       -       (5,641 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net
    -       1,037       -       -       1,037  
Total other expense, net
    (17,174 )     (48,109 )     (900 )     -       (66,183 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    (17,251 )     37,943       698       -       21,390  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    6,728       18,654       (213 )     -       25,169  
Equity in earnings of investments in Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries
    50,581       11,831       -       (62,412 )     -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    40,058       68,428       485       (62,412 )     46,559  
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       (11,600 )     -       -       (11,600 )
Income tax benefit
    -       5,099       -       -       5,099  
Loss from discontinued operations
    -       (6,501 )     -       -       (6,501 )
Net income  (loss)
  $ 40,058     $ 61,927     $ 485     $ (62,412 )   $ 40,058  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Total Consolidated
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (12,146 )   $ 516,702     $ 6,495     $ 511,051  
                                 
Investing activities:
                               
Capital expenditures
  $ -     $ (222,960 )   $ -     $ (222,960 )
Acquisition of mineral rights under federal lease
    -       (36,108 )     -       (36,108 )
Purchase of equity-method investment
    -       (3,000 )     -       (3,000 )
Purchase of other investment
    -       (4,000 )             (4,000 )
Purchases of marketable securities, net
    -       (181,312 )     -       (181,312 )
Other, net
    -       2,043       -       2,043  
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ -     $ (445,337 )   $ -     $ (445,337 )
                                 
Financing activities:
                               
Principal repayments on long-term debt
  $ -     $ (50,934 )   $ -     $ (50,934 )
Debt issuance costs
    -       (8,710 )     -       (8,710 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
    -       8,112       -       8,112  
Common stock repurchases
    (41,580 )     -       -       (41,580 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,292       -       -       4,292  
Transactions with affiliates
    4,653       1,842       (6,495 )     -  
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (32,635 )   $ (49,690 )   $ (6,495 )   $ (88,820 )
                                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (44,781 )   $ 21,675     $ -     $ (23,106 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    69,410       396,459       -       465,869  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 24,629     $ 418,134     $ -     $ 442,763  


ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except share data)
(Continued)

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   
Parent (Issuer)
   
New Notes Guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiary
   
Total Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 24,662     $ 136,564     $ 890     $ 162,116  
                                 
Investing activities:
                               
Capital expenditures
  $ -     $ (102,816 )   $ -     $ (102,816 )
Cash acquired from a merger
    23,505       -       -       23,505  
Other, net
    (1,750 )     -       657       (1,093 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ 21,755     $ (102,816 )   $ 657     $ (80,404 )
                                 
Financing activities:
                               
Principal repayments of note payable
  $ -     $ (16,429 )   $ -     $ (16,429 )
Principal repayments of long-term debt
    -       (241,500 )     -       (241,500 )
Debt issuance costs
    -       (11,218 )     -       (11,218 )
Common stock repurchases
    (8,495 )     -       -       (8,495 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    2,419       -       -       2,419  
Other, net
    -       (232 )     (890 )     (1,122 )
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (6,076 )   $ (269,379 )   $ (890 )   $ (276,345 )
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 40,341     $ (235,631 )   $ 657     $ (194,633 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    73,321       602,869       -       676,190  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 113,662     $ 367,238     $ 657     $ 481,557  

(20)   Share Repurchase Program

On May 19, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which permits the Company to repurchase up to $125,000 of its outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Shares”). The program enables the Company to repurchase Shares from time to time, as market conditions warrant. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased 5,121 Shares and 688,321 Shares under this program, which were recorded as treasury stock in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company may purchase up to an additional $100,001 worth of Shares under the program.


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Explanatory Note

On July 31, 2009, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (“Old Alpha”) and Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. (“Foundation”) merged (the “Merger”) with Foundation continuing as the surviving legal corporation of the Merger which was renamed Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (“Alpha”). For accounting purposes, the Merger is treated as a “reverse acquisition” with Old Alpha considered the accounting acquirer. Accordingly, Old Alpha’s historical financial statements are included in periodic filings of Alpha subsequent to the Merger. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 contain the combined results of both companies.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 include the results for Old Alpha for the entire periods and include the results of Foundation for only those months in the periods subsequent to the Merger.

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Alpha”, “we”, “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Alpha and its consolidated subsidiaries in reference to dates subsequent to the Merger and to Old Alpha and its consolidated subsidiaries in reference to dates prior to the Merger.

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 This report includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies. We have used the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “should” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, in this report to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements:

 
·
worldwide market demand for coal, electricity and steel;
 
·
global economic, capital market or political conditions, including a prolonged economic recession in the markets in which we operate;
 
·
decline in coal prices;
 
·
our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition;
 
·
regulatory and court decisions;
 
·
competition in coal markets;
 
·
changes in environmental laws and regulations, including those directly affecting our coal mining and production, and those affecting our customers' coal usage, including potential carbon or greenhouse gas related legislation;
 
·
changes in safety and health laws and regulations and the ability to comply with such changes;
 
·
availability of skilled employees and other employee workforce factors, such as labor relations;
 
·
the inability of our third-party coal suppliers to make timely deliveries and our customers refusing to receive coal under agreed contract terms;
 
·
potential instability and volatility in worldwide financial markets;
 
·
future legislation and changes in regulations, governmental policies or taxes or changes in interpretation thereof;
 
·
inherent risks of coal mining beyond our control;
 
·
disruption in coal supplies;
 
·
the geological characteristics of the Powder River Basin, Central and Northern Appalachian coal reserves;
 
·
our production capabilities and costs;
 
·
our ability to successfully integrate operations that we may acquire or develop in the future;


 
·
our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion or consolidation;
 
·
the consummation of financing transactions, acquisitions or dispositions and the related effects on our business;
 
·
our relationships with, and other conditions affecting, our customers;
 
·
reductions or increases in customer coal inventories and the timing of those changes;
 
·
changes in and renewal or acquisition of new long-term coal supply arrangements;
 
·
railroad, barge, truck and other transportation availability, performance and costs;
 
·
availability of mining and processing equipment and parts;
 
·
disruptions in delivery or changes in pricing from third party vendors of goods and services which are necessary for our operations, such as fuel, steel products, explosives and tires;
 
·
our assumptions concerning economically recoverable coal reserve estimates;
 
·
our ability to obtain, maintain or renew any necessary permits or rights, and our ability to mine properties due to defects in title on leasehold interests;
 
·
changes in postretirement benefit obligations, pension obligations and federal black lung obligations;
 
·
increased costs and obligations potentially arising from the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
 
·
fair value of derivative instruments not accounted for as hedges that are being marked to market;
 
·
indemnification of certain obligations not being met;
 
·
continued funding of the road construction business, related costs, and profitability estimates;
 
·
restrictive covenants in our secured credit facility and the indentures governing the 7.25% notes due 2014 and the 2.375% convertible senior notes due 2015;
 
·
certain terms of the 7.25% notes due 2014 and the 2.375% convertible senior notes due 2015, including any conversions, that may adversely impact our liquidity;
 
·
weather conditions or catastrophic weather-related damage; and
 
·
other factors, including the other factors discussed in “-Overview - Coal Pricing Trends, Uncertainties and Outlook” below, Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” below and the “Risk Factors” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this report and the documents incorporated by reference. We do not undertake any responsibility to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report. Additionally, we do not undertake any responsibility to update you on the occurrence of any unanticipated events, which may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Overview

We are one of America’s premier coal suppliers, operating 64 mines and 14 coal preparation and load-out facilities in Northern and Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin, with approximately 6,400 employees.

We produce, process, and sell steam and metallurgical coal from six business units located throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. We also sell coal produced by others, the majority of which we process and/or blend with coal produced from our mines prior to resale, providing us with a higher overall margin for the blended product than if we had sold the coals separately. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, sales of steam coal were 18.2 million and 53.8 million tons, respectively, and accounted for approximately 86% of our coal sales volume. Comparatively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, sales of steam coal were 14.4 million and 20.3 million tons, respectively, and accounted for approximately 87% and 78% of our coal sales volume, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, sales of metallurgical coal, which generally sells at a premium over steam coal, were 3.0 million and 8.9 million tons, respectively, and accounted for approximately 14% of our coal sales volume. Comparatively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, sales of metallurgical coal were 2.1 million and 5.6 million tons, respectively, and accounted for approximately 13% and 22%, respectively, of our coal sales volume. The effect of the Merger on the relative percentages of coal sales volumes for three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 is discussed below in “Results of Operations-Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009” and “Results of Operations-Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009”.


Our sales of steam coal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were made primarily to large utilities and industrial customers throughout the United States, and our sales of metallurgical coal were made primarily to steel companies in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States and in several countries in Europe, Asia and South America. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, approximately 36% and 35% of our coal revenues combined with freight and handling revenues, respectively, were derived from sales made outside the United States, compared to 29% and 34% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

In addition, we generate other revenues from equipment and parts sales and repair, Dry Systems Technologies equipment and filters, road construction, rentals, commissions, coal handling, terminal and processing fees, coal and environmental analysis fees, royalties, override royalty payments from a coal supply agreement now fulfilled by another producer and the sale of coalbed methane and natural gas. We also record revenue for freight and handling charges incurred in delivering coal to certain customers, for which we are reimbursed by our customers. As such, freight and handling revenues are offset by equivalent freight and handling costs and do not contribute to our profitability.

Our primary expenses are for operating supply costs, repair and maintenance expenditures, cost of purchased coal, royalties, current wages and benefits, postretirement and post employment benefits, freight and handling costs, and taxes incurred in selling our coal. Historically, our cost of coal sales per ton is lower for sales of our produced and processed coal than for sales of purchased coal that we do not process prior to resale.

We have two reportable segments, Eastern Coal Operations and Western Coal Operations. Eastern Coal Operations consists of our operations in Northern and Central Appalachia, our coal brokerage activities and our road construction business. Western Coal Operations consists of two Powder River Basin mines in Wyoming. Our All Other category includes an idled underground mine in Illinois; expenses associated with closed mines; Dry Systems Technologies; revenues and royalties from the sale of coalbed methane and natural gas extraction; equipment sales and repair operations; terminal services; the leasing of mineral rights and general corporate overhead.

Coal Pricing Trends, Uncertainties and Outlook

Our long-term outlook for the coal markets in the U.S. remains positive. The Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) in its 2010 Annual Energy Outlook forecasts that coal-fired electrical generation will increase by an average annual growth rate of 2.0% through 2015. Long-term demand for coal and coal-based electricity generation in the U.S. will likely be driven by various factors such as the growing economy, increasing population, increasing demand to power residential electronics and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, public demands for affordable electricity, the inability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to become the base load source of electric power, geopolitical risks associated with importing large quantities of global oil and natural gas resources, increasing demand for coal outside the U.S. resulting in increased exports and the relatively abundant steam and metallurgical coal reserves located within the United States. Despite the current condition of the U.S. and global economies, the International Monetary Fund’s April 2010 World Economic Outlook forecasts U.S. annual GDP to grow 2.6% and 2.3% in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

According to the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (“NETL”) January 2010 report on new coal-fired power plants, there are 13,755 megawatts of new coal-fired electrical generation under construction in the United States and 320 megawatts of new coal-fired electrical generation capacity near construction in the United States. This expected new capacity will increase the annual coal consumption for electrical generation by an estimated 46 million tons, much of which is expected to be supplied from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. Additionally, approximately 3,280 megawatts of coal-fired electrical generation are in the permitting phase and 26,233 megawatts of coal-fired electrical generation have been announced and are in the early stages of permitting and development.

Coal exports from the U.S. decreased from approximately 82 million tons in 2008 to approximately 59 million tons in 2009 in response to the worldwide economic downturn. Through the first three quarters of 2010, exports recovered from their 2009 decline, reaching 58.2 million tons, based on EIA data. Total exports for 2010 are projected by the EIA to reach approximately 76.5 million tons. According to the EIA’s 2010 International Energy Outlook (“IEO”), global primary energy demand is projected to grow by 49% between 2010 and 2035, with coal demand rising most in absolute terms and fossil fuels accounting for most of the increase in demand between now and 2035. Total coal use is expected to grow by 56% above 2007 levels by 2035, with China and India alone accounting for 85% of that increase. The IEO has reached a general conclusion that dependence on coal for power rises strongly in countries with emerging economies and relatively large coal reserves, while it stagnates in the more developed nations and nations with smaller coal reserves.

Ultimately, the global demand for and use of coal may be limited by any global treaties which place restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions. As part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, representatives from 187 nations, including the U.S., met in Bali, Indonesia in December 2007 to discuss a program to limit greenhouse gas emissions after 2012. The convention adopted the “Bali Road Map” that detailed a two-year process to finalizing a binding agreement in Copenhagen in 2009. In December 2009 participants gathered in Copenhagen to develop a framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012. The principal output of the Copenhagen summit was the Copenhagen Accord, a document that is neither legally binding nor voted upon nor signed, but was simply “noted” by the 194 participating countries. Although the results from the Copenhagen summit were considered modest by many participants, the ultimate outcome of future summits, and any treaty or other arrangement ultimately adopted by the United States or other countries, may have a material adverse impact on the global demand for and supply of coal. This is particularly true if cost effective technology for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide is not sufficiently developed.


Proposed coal-fired electricity generating facilities that do not include technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide are facing increasing opposition from environmental groups as well as state and local governments who are concerned with global climate change and uncertain financial impacts of potential greenhouse gas regulations. Coal-fired generating plants incorporating carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies will be more expensive to build than conventional pulverized coal generating plants and the technologies are still in the developmental stages. This dynamic may cause power generating companies to cut back on plans to build coal-fired plants in the near term. Nevertheless, the desire to attain U.S. energy independence suggests the construction of new coal-fired generating facilities is likely to remain a viable option. This desire, coupled with heightened interest in coal gasification and coal liquefaction, is a potential indicator of increasing demand for coal in the United States.

Based on weekly coal production reporting through September 30, 2010 from the EIA, third quarter 2010 Appalachian production remained steady compared to the second quarter of 2010. Compared to the second quarter of 2010, Western coal production increased by approximately 6.6% in the third quarter of 2010. In Central Appalachia, delays with respect to permits to construct valley fills at surface mines and maintain water quality standards are likely to slow the permitting process for mining in that region with resultant uncertainties for producers. Increased MSHA mine inspection activity may also impact production levels. Through September 30, 2010, average prices for Central Appalachian coal have increased 10% while Northern Appalachian coal prices have increased 15% over last quarter. Average spot market prices for Powder River Basin coal have risen nearly 30% in 2010, with the basin offering the least expensive fossil fuel on a dollar per Btu basis. Long-term, the delicate balance of coal supply and increasing coal demand is expected to result in strong, but potentially volatile fundamentals for the U.S. coal industry.

Utility inventories in the U.S. have fallen sharply, according to the EIA, and are approximately 158 million tons as of September 2010 as a result of extended hot summer weather, reduced fuel switching and lower production levels. The pace of coal burn is expected to slow in the shoulder months before picking up again during the winter heating season. Given increased exports in the first three quarters of 2010 compared to the 2009 levels, more steam coal crossing over into the metallurgical coal market and lower U.S. production levels, particularly in Central Appalachia, where regulatory pressures could reduce coal supply as permit issuance has almost come to a standstill and costs increase, higher forward prices for U.S. thermal coal have been fairly persistent in 2010.

Our revenues depend on the price at which we are able to sell our coal. The pricing environment for U.S. steam coal production in 2010 has recovered steadily above the low levels seen in 2009. Recent steam coal market conditions indicate that supply and demand have largely come into balance and the forecasted upswing in demand is resulting in improved prices for suppliers. Prices for high quality metallurgical coal, used to manufacture coke for steelmaking, had deteriorated in 2009 in response to decreased worldwide demand for steel. However, strong global demand for steel, particularly in China, and limited metallurgical coal supply have created market conditions that suggest favorable pricing for the remainder of 2010.

The uneven recovery from the worldwide economic slowdown and the volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets have had an impact on global energy fundamentals. Although prices for fossil fuels have not rebounded to the peak levels seen prior to the economic slowdown, coal prices have strengthened in 2010. After shutting-in significant capacity in the early part of 2009 due to the lack of near-term visibility around demand, steel manufacturers have increased steel plant utilization, from under 40% in January 2009 to approximately 70% in September 2010, translating into strong metallurgical coal pricing and demand so far in 2010. The relatively low price of natural gas is creating further competitive pressure on the demand for steam coal. A weak economic recovery could slacken demand for metallurgical and steam coals and could negatively influence pricing in the near-term. Longer-term, coal industry fundamentals remain intact. Coal has been the world’s fastest growing fuel for six of the last eight years, and is forecasted by the EIA to grow the most in nineteen of the next twenty five years. Seaborne coal has grown to nearly 1 billion tons annually, and U.S. exports will be needed to meet worldwide demand, particularly in China and India. In addition, the idling of coal mines due to weakened market conditions, and the resulting decrease in production, particularly in Central Appalachia, should better match production to demand. These factors should lead to a tighter market for coal, both globally and in the United States, in the coming years.


Our results of operations are dependent upon the prices we obtain for our coal as well as our ability to improve productivity and control costs. Our operating costs include maintenance and repair parts and services, electricity, fuel, roof control and support items, explosives, tires, conveyance structure, ventilation supplies and lubricants.

Our management continues to aggressively control costs and strives to improve operating performance to mitigate external cost pressures. As is common in the current economic environment, we are experiencing volatility in operating costs related to fuel, explosives, steel, tires, contract services and healthcare and have taken measures to mitigate the increases in these costs at all operations. We have a centralized sourcing group for major supplier contract negotiation and administration, for the negotiation and purchase of major capital goods, and to support the business units. The supplier base has been relatively stable for many years, but there has been some consolidation. We are not dependent on any one supplier in any region. We promote competition between suppliers and seek to develop relationships with suppliers that focus on lowering our costs. We seek suppliers who identify and concentrate on implementing continuous improvement opportunities within their area of expertise. To the extent upward pressure on costs exceeds our ability to realize sales increases, or if we experience unanticipated operating or transportation difficulties, our operating margins would be negatively impacted. Employee labor costs have historically increased primarily due to the demands associated with attracting and retaining a workforce; however, recent stability in the marketplace has helped ease this situation. We may also continue to experience difficult geologic conditions, delays or the inability to obtain permits, labor shortages, unforeseen equipment problems and shortages of critical materials such as tires and explosives that may result in adverse cost increases and limit our ability to produce at forecasted levels.
 
         On September 23, 2010, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published an emergency temporary standard that revises the existing federal standard for the incombustible content of combined coal dust, rock dust and other dust in coal mines. Rock dust is pulverized stone used to cover coal dust and render it inert. Effective rock dust application can prevent coal dust explosions and can reduce the severity of methane explosions. The emergency temporary standard requires mine operators to increase the incombustible content of the combined coal dust, rock dust, and other dust in all accessible areas of underground coal mines to at least 80%. This is an increase from the pre-existing standard of 65%, except for return air courses where the pre-existing standard was already 80%. Mine operators must comply with the standard for newly mined areas by October 7, 2010, and all other areas of the mine by November 22, 2010. To meet these compliance dates, MSHA encouraged mine operators to immediately begin rock dusting all other areas, starting with those that pose the greatest risk to miners: for example, areas near the active faces and areas that contain possible ignition sources, such as conveyer belt drives and belt entries. The new standard will increase costs due to additional rock-dusting materials, additional equipment and additional labor that will be necessary to comply with the new standard.
 
         On June 29, 2010, EPA included methane emissions from underground coal mines as sources of greenhouse gases subject to the mandatory greenhouse gas reporting regulations that were adopted on October 30, 2009. Under the rule for underground coal mines, any facility that is subject to quarterly sampling for methane of mine ventilation systems by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) must begin monitoring methane emissions on January 1, 2011. Reports of methane emissions (and for methane destruction by combustion—carbon dioxide emissions) for 2011 are due to EPA on March 31, 2012. At present the regulations only require monitoring and reporting of the amounts of these emissions from underground coal mines. There are presently no capture or control requirements in the regulations. However, these monitoring and reporting regulations may lead to additional regulation of these emissions from underground coal mines.
 
Results of Operations

As a result of the Merger, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not comparable to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 due to the fact that the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 only include the results of Foundation for the months of August and September 2009. To help understand the operating results, the term “Foundation operations” refers to the results of Foundation on a stand-alone basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the term “legacy Alpha operations” refers to the results of Old Alpha on a stand-alone basis for three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, the calculations of selling, general and administrative expenses for both companies are not comparable calculations to the expenses that would have been calculated as separate entities due to certain intercompany allocations of the combined company. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all amounts discussed in the following analysis of results of operations relate to amounts from continuing operations.

EBITDA from continuing operations is defined as income from continuing operations plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization and amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net, less interest income and income tax benefit. EBITDA from continuing operations is a non-GAAP measure used by management to measure operating performance, and management also believes it is a useful indicator of our ability to meet debt service and capital expenditure requirements. Because EBITDA from continuing operations is not calculated identically by all companies, our calculation may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table reconciles EBITDA from continuing operations to income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 32,361     $ (16,740 )   $ 86,213     $ 46,559  
Interest expense
    17,834       42,835       58,458       62,854  
Interest income
    (967 )     (295 )     (2,495 )     (1,275 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,660       (44,119 )     18,010       (25,169 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    94,003       78,246       280,228       154,803  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    52,398       57,983       173,988       57,983  
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 197,289     $ 117,910     $ 614,402     $ 295,755  


Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Summary

Total revenues increased $272.4 million, or 37%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in revenues was due to an increase in coal revenues of $234.0 million, or 35%, increased freight and handling revenues of $37.7 million, and increased other revenues of $0.6 million. The increase in coal revenues was primarily the result of increased tons shipped due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for a full three months in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 and higher coal sales realizations per ton for both steam and metallurgical coal which reflects more favorable pricing on tons sold in the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period.

Income from continuing operations increased $49.1 million, or 293%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase was largely due to an increase in coal and other revenues of $234.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and a decrease in other expense, net of $31.7 million, partially offset by an increase in certain operating costs and expenses of $171.5 million and an increase in income tax expense of $45.7 million.

The increase in certain operating costs and expenses of $171.5 million was due to an increase in cost of coal sales of $195.3 million, increased depreciation, depletion and amortization of $15.8 million and increased other expenses of $0.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $34.7 million and a decrease in amortization expense of acquired coal supply agreements, net of $5.6 million.

We sold 21.2 million tons of coal during the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 16.5 million tons in the prior year period, an increase of 4.7 million tons, or 29%. The 21.2 million tons sold during the three months ended September 30, 2010 consisted of 5.9 million tons of steam coal and 3.0 million tons of metallurgical coal from our Eastern Coal Operations and 12.3 million tons of steam coal from our Western Coal Operations. The 16.5 million tons sold during the three months ended September 30, 2009 consisted of 5.8 million tons of steam coal and 2.1 million tons of metallurgical coal from our Eastern Coal Operations and 8.6 million tons of steam coal from our Western Coal Operations.

The consolidated average coal sales realization per ton for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $42.37 compared to $40.25 in the prior year period. The average coal sales realization per ton for metallurgical coal and eastern steam coal was $122.24 and $67.72, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $96.94 and $64.43, respectively, in the prior year period. The average coal sales realization per ton for western steam coal was $11.10 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $10.39 in the prior year period.

Consolidated coal margin percentage, calculated as consolidated coal revenues less consolidated cost of coal sales (excluding cost of coal sales in our All Other segment), divided by consolidated coal revenues, was 26% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 29% in the prior year period. Coal margin percentage for our Eastern and Western Coal Operations was 27% and 23%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 30% and 22%, respectively, in the prior year period. Consolidated coal margin per ton, calculated as consolidated coal sales realization per ton less consolidated cost of coal sales per ton, was $11.12 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $11.75 in the prior year period. Coal margin per ton for our Eastern and Western Coal Operations was $23.16 and $2.53, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $22.13 and $2.31, respectively, in the prior year period.


Revenues

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ or Tons
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except per ton data)
       
Revenues:
                       
Coal revenues:
                       
Eastern steam
  $ 394,342     $ 370,619     $ 23,723       6 %
Western steam
    137,111       89,568       47,543       53 %
Metallurgical
    364,982       202,209       162,773       80 %
Freight and handling revenues
    85,330       47,592       37,738       79 %
Other revenues
    19,867       19,258       609       3 %
Total revenues
  $ 1,001,632     $ 729,246     $ 272,386       37 %
                                 
                                 
Tons sold :
                               
Eastern steam
    5,823       5,752       71       1 %
Western steam
    12,349       8,618       3,731       43 %
Metallurgical
    2,986       2,086       900       43 %
Total
    21,158       16,456       4,702       29 %
                                 
Coal sales realization per ton:
                               
Eastern steam
  $ 67.72     $ 64.43     $ 3.29       5 %
Western steam
  $ 11.10     $ 10.39     $ 0.71       7 %
Metallurgical
  $ 122.24     $ 96.94     $ 25.30       26 %
Average
  $ 42.37     $ 40.25     $ 2.12       5 %

Coal revenues. Coal revenues increased $234.0 million, or 35%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase in coal revenues consisted of an increase in metallurgical coal revenues of $162.8 million, an increase in eastern steam coal revenues of $23.7 million and an increase in western steam coal revenues of $47.5 million.

The increase in metallurgical coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped and coal sales realization per ton. Metallurgical tons shipped increased 0.9 million, or 43%, compared to the prior year period which reflects an increase in demand from steel producers in the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period and to a lesser extent, the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months of the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Coal sales realization per ton increased $25.30, or 26%, compared to the prior year period as a result of increased pricing due to stronger demand.

The increase in eastern steam coal revenues was largely due to an increase in coal sales realization per ton of $3.29, or 5%, due to higher contracted prices for the tons shipped in the current quarter, compared to the prior year period. Eastern steam tons shipped increased 1% to 5.8 million tons for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

The increase in western steam coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped and coal sales realization per ton. Tons shipped increased 3.7 million primarily due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months of the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Coal sales realization per ton increased $0.71, or 7%, compared to the prior year period.

Our sales mix of metallurgical coal and steam coal based on volume for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was 14% and 86%, respectively, compared with 13% and 87%, respectively, in the prior year period. Our sales mix of metallurgical coal and steam coal based on coal revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was 41% and 59%, respectively, compared with 31% and 69%, respectively, in the prior year period.

Freight and handling revenues. Freight and handling revenues were $85.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of $37.7 million compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to higher export and domestic shipments combined with higher shipping rates compared to the prior year period. These revenues are offset by equivalent costs and do not contribute to our profitability.


Other revenues. Other revenues increased $0.6 million, or 3%, for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. Other revenues generally consist of our road construction, Dry Systems Technology and Coal Gas Recovery businesses, mark-to-market gains and losses on coal sales contracts that are reported at fair value, terminal fee revenues and royalty revenues.

Costs and Expenses

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except per ton data)
       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
  $ 664,723     $ 469,451     $ 195,272       42 %
Freight and handling costs
    85,330       47,592       37,738       79 %
Other expenses
    11,967       11,251       716       6 %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    94,003       78,246       15,757       20 %
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    52,398       57,983       (5,585 )     (10 )%
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    43,584       78,257       (34,673 )     (44 )%
Total costs and expenses
  $ 952,005     $ 742,780     $ 209,225       28 %
                                 
Cost of coal sales per ton:1
                               
Eastern coal operations
  $ 63.04     $ 50.96     $ 12.08       24 %
Western coal operations
  $ 8.57     $ 8.08     $ 0.49       6 %
Average
  $ 31.25     $ 28.50     $ 2.75       10 %

1 - Cost of coal sales per ton includes only costs associated with our Eastern and Western Coal Operations.

Cost of coal sales. Cost of coal sales increased $195.3 million, or 42%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase was largely due to increases in wages and employee benefits, operating supplies, maintenance and repair, purchased coal expenses, outside services, royalties and production and severance taxes. These increases were partially due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months of the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, cost of coal sales included non-recurring charges of $11.4 million related to aligning vacation and retirement benefits company-wide. The consolidated average cost of coal sales per ton was $31.25 compared to $28.50 in the prior year period. The average cost of coal sales per ton for Eastern and Western Coal Operations was $63.04 and $8.57, respectively, compared to $50.96 and $8.08, respectively, in the prior year period. The increase in cost of coal sales per ton for our Eastern Coal Operations was largely due to an increase in production of higher cost metallurgical tons as a result of responding to the increase in demand for metallurgical coal and a decrease in production from our lower cost longwall mines due to the impact of our miner vacation schedule, which impacted the current year period more as a result of the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months, and a longwall move that began in August of 2010. An increase in purchased coal volumes also contributed to the increase in cost of coal sales per ton for our Eastern Coal Operations.

Freight and handling costs. Freight and handling costs increased $37.7 million, or 79%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to higher export and domestic shipments combined with higher shipping rates compared to the prior year period. These costs are offset by equivalent revenues and do not contribute to our profitability.

Other expenses. Other expenses increased $0.7 million, or 6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. Other expenses generally consist of mark-to-market gains and losses on derivatives swap contracts that are not designated as cash flow hedges and expenses associated with our road construction, Dry Systems Technology and Coal Gas Recovery businesses.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $15.8 million, or 20%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase consisted of increased depreciation and amortization of $9.9 million primarily related to capital expenditures during the previous twelve months and increased depletion expense of $5.9 million related to increased production compared to the prior year period. These increases were due in part to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months in the quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net. Application of acquisition accounting in connection with the Merger resulted in the recognition of a significant asset for above market-priced coal supply agreements and a liability for below market-priced coal supply agreements on the date of the acquisition. The coal supply agreement assets and liabilities are being amortized over the actual amount of tons shipped under each contract. Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net was $52.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $58.0 million in the prior year period.


Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $34.7 million, or 44%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to decreased merger related expenses related to severance, relocation and legal costs incurred for the Foundation merger, lower expenses recorded for share-based compensation and a curtailment gain recorded during the current quarter associated with a re-measurement of  our defined-benefit pension plan obligations as a result of a plan change due to the alignment of employee benefits company-wide, partially offset by the increased expenses associated with the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months in the quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $25.0 million, or 58%, during the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to the decrease in interest expense associated with the unrealized losses due to changes in fair value of an interest rate swaps that were de-designated as cash flow hedges in the prior year period as a result of paying off the legacy Alpha term loan.

Interest income. Interest income increased by $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period primarily due to a higher average cash balance invested in marketable securities.

Miscellaneous income (expense), net. Miscellaneous income (expense), net was income of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to income of $0.9 million in the prior year period.

Income tax (expense) benefit. Income tax expense from continuing operations of $1.7 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2010 on income from continuing operations before income taxes of $34.0 million, which equates to an effective tax rate of 4.9%. This rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% largely due to the tax benefits associated with percentage depletion. Income tax benefit from continuing operations of $44.1 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2009 on a loss from continuing operations before income taxes of $60.9 million, which equates to an effective tax benefit rate of (72.5%). This benefit rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to a decrease in the valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets and the tax benefits associated with percentage depletion, partially offset by the effect of certain non-deductible transaction costs and the expense related to interest rate swaps.

Discontinued operations. Loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $0.5 million, net of tax, compared to income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million, net of tax, in the prior year period.


Segment Analysis

The price of coal is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to: (1) coal quality, which includes energy content (heat value), sulfur, ash, volatile matter and moisture content; (2) transportation costs; (3) regional supply and demand; (4) available competitive fuel sources such as natural gas, nuclear or hydro; and (5) production costs, which vary by mine type, available technology and equipment utilization, productivity, geological conditions, and mine operating expenses.

The energy content or heat value of coal is a significant factor influencing coal prices as higher energy coal is more desirable to consumers and typically commands a higher price in the market. The heat value of coal is commonly measured in British thermal units or the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Coal from the Eastern and Midwest regions of the United States tends to have a higher heat value than coal found in the Western United States.

Powder River Basin coal, with its lower energy content, lower production cost and often greater distance to travel to the consumer, typically sells at a lower price than Northern and Central Appalachian coal that has a higher energy content and is often located closer to the end user.

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ or Tons
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except per ton data)
 
Western Coal Operations
                       
Steam tons sold
    12,349       8,618       3,731       43 %
Steam coal sales realization per ton
  $ 11.10     $ 10.39     $ 0.71       7 %
Total revenues
  $ 139,353     $ 90,240     $ 49,113       54 %
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 25,239     $ 18,120     $ 7,119       39 %
                                 
Eastern Coal Operations
                               
Steam tons sold
    5,823       5,752       71       1 %
Metallurgical tons sold
    2,986       2,086       900       43 %
Steam coal sales realization per ton
  $ 67.72     $ 64.43     $ 3.29       5 %
Metallurgical coal sales realization per ton
  $ 122.24     $ 96.94     $ 25.30       26 %
Total revenues
  $ 850,690     $ 632,739     $ 217,951       34 %
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 171,547     $ 165,409     $ 6,138       4 %

Western Coal Operations – Our Western Coal Operations are located in the southern Powder River Basin of Wyoming and were acquired in the Merger. We operate two large open-pit mines at Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte and produce steam coal for shipment primarily to utilities. EBITDA from continuing operations for our Western Coal Operations increased $7.1 million, or 39%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to an increase in total revenues of $49.1 million, partially offset by increased certain operating expenses of $42.0 million. The increase in total revenues consisted of an increase in coal and other revenues of $47.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The increase in coal revenues was largely due to increased tons shipped of 3.7 million, or 43%, and increased average sales realization per ton of $0.71, or 7%. The increase in certain operating expenses consisted of an increase in cost of coal sales of $35.6 million and a $6.4 million increase in other operating expenses. These increases were primarily due to the inclusion of the Western Coal Operations for the full three months of the quarter ending September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period.

Eastern Coal Operations – Our Eastern Coal Operations are located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky and produce steam coal that is sold primarily to electric utilities and industrial customers. Our Eastern Coal Operations also produce metallurgical coal that is sold primarily to steel producers. EBITDA from continuing operations increased $6.1 million, or 4%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to an increase in coal and other revenues of $180.2 million and an increase in other income of $0.4 million, partially offset by an increase in certain operating expenses of $174.5 million. The increase in total revenues was due to an increase in coal revenues of $186.5 million, which consisted of an increase in metallurgical and steam coal revenues of $162.8 million and $23.7 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in other revenues of $6.3 million. The increase in certain operating expenses consisted of an increase in cost of coal sales of $156.5 million and increased other operating expenses of $18.0 million.

The increase in metallurgical coal revenues was due to an increase in shipments of 0.9 million tons, or 43%, and an increase in average coal sales realization per ton of $25.30, or 26%. These increases were largely due to increased demand for metallurgical coal from steel producers and higher contracted prices for tons shipped during the current quarter compared to the prior year period. The increase in steam coal revenues was largely due to an increase in average coal sales realization per ton of $3.29, or 5%.


The increase in cost of coal sales was due to increases in wages and employee benefits, operating supplies, maintenance and repair, purchased coal expenses, outside services, royalties and production and severance taxes, all of which experienced increases due in part to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months of the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Cost of coal sales per ton increased $12.08, or 24%, compared to the prior year period largely due to an increase in production of higher cost metallurgical tons as a result of responding to the increase in demand for metallurgical coal and a decrease in production from our lower cost longwall mines due to the impact of our miner vacation schedule, which had a larger impact in the current year period as a result of the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full three months of the current quarter, and the impact of a longwall move that began in August of 2010.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Summary

Total revenues increased $1,321.8 million, or 82%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase in total revenues was due to increased coal revenues of $1,198.6 million, increased freight and handling revenues of $111.3 million and increased other revenues of $11.9 million. The increase in coal revenues consisted of an increase of $1,003.0 million, or 361% from the Foundation operations as a result of their inclusion for the full nine months in 2010 and an increase of $195.6 million, or 17% from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in freight and handling revenues consisted of an increase of $107.9 million from the legacy Alpha operations and an increase of $3.4 million from the Foundation operations. The increase in other revenues consisted of an increase of $22.9 million from the Foundation operations, partially offset by a decrease of $11.0 million from the legacy Alpha operations.

Income from continuing operations increased $39.7 million, or 85%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase was largely due to increased coal and other revenues of $1,198.6 million and $11.9 million, respectively, and a decrease in other expense, net, of $9.7 million, partially offset by increased certain operating costs and expenses of $1,137.3 million and a $43.2 million increase in income tax expense.

The increase in certain operating costs and expenses of $1,137.3 million was due to increased cost of coal sales of $857.5 million, increased depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses of $125.4 million, increased amortization of acquired coal supply agreements of $116.0 million, increased other expenses of $20.4 million and increased selling, general and administrative expenses of $18.0 million. The increase in cost of coal sales consisted of an increase of $690.8 million, or 363%, from the former Foundation operations and an increase of $166.7 million, or 20%, from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses consisted of an increase of $134.3 million from the Foundation operations, partially offset by an $8.9 million decrease from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in other expenses consisted of an increase of $11.4 million from the Foundation operations and an increase of $9.0 million from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses consisted of an increase of $49.5 million from the Foundation operations partially offset by a decrease of $31.5 million from the legacy Alpha operations.

We sold 62.7 million tons of coal during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 25.9 million tons in the prior year period, an increase of 36.8 million tons, or 142%. The 62.7 million tons sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 consisted of 18.2 million tons of steam coal and 8.9 million tons of metallurgical coal from our Eastern Coal Operations and 35.6 million tons of steam coal from our Western Coal Operations. The 25.9 million tons sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 consisted of 11.7 million tons of steam coal and 5.6 million tons of metallurgical coal from our Eastern Coal Operations and 8.6 million tons of steam coal from our Western Coal Operations.

The increase in coal sales volumes of 36.8 million tons was due to increases of 27.0 million, 8.1 million and 1.2 million tons of western steam, eastern steam and metallurgical coal, respectively, from the Foundation operations and an increase of 2.1 million tons of metallurgical coal partially offset by a decrease of 1.6 million tons of eastern steam coal from the legacy Alpha operations.

The consolidated average coal sales realization per ton for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $41.79 compared to $54.89 in the prior year period. The decrease was largely attributable to the inclusion of coal sales for the full nine months ended September, 30, 2010 from our Western Coal Operations, which has a substantially lower coal sales realization per ton due to the difference in pricing between coal in the Powder River Basin and coal in the eastern coal basins. The average coal sales realization per ton for metallurgical coal and eastern steam coal was $113.56 and $67.08, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $98.48 and $66.83, respectively, in the prior year period. The average coal sales realization per ton for western steam coal was $10.95 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $10.39 in the prior year period.

Consolidated coal margin percentage, calculated as consolidated coal revenues less consolidated cost of coal sales (excluding cost of coal sales in our All Other segment), divided by consolidated coal revenues, was 28% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 27% in the prior year period. Coal margin percentage for our Eastern and Western Coal Operations was 30% and 20%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 27% and 22%, respectively, in the prior year period. Consolidated coal margin per ton, calculated as consolidated coal sales realization per ton less consolidated cost of coal sales per ton, was $11.74 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $14.72 in the prior year period. Coal margin per ton for our Eastern and Western Coal Operations was $24.36 and $2.14, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $20.90 and $2.31, respectively, in the prior year period.


Revenues

 
 
Nine Months Ended
       
 
 
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
$ or Tons
   
%
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per ton data)
       
Revenues:
                       
Coal revenues:
                       
Eastern steam
  $ 1,222,478     $ 783,698     $ 438,780       56 %
Western steam
    389,931       89,568       300,363       335 %
Metallurgical
    1,009,396       549,903       459,493       84 %
Freight and handling revenues
    240,386       129,091       111,295       86 %
Other revenues
    61,850       49,960       11,890       24 %
Total revenues
  $ 2,924,041     $ 1,602,220     $ 1,321,821       82 %
 
                               
 
                               
Tons sold :
                               
Eastern steam
    18,223       11,727       6,496       55 %
Western steam
    35,620       8,618       27,002       313 %
Metallurgical
    8,889       5,584       3,305       59 %
Total
    62,732       25,929       36,803       142 %
 
                               
Coal sales realization per ton:
                               
Eastern steam
  $ 67.08     $ 66.83     $ 0.25       0 %
Western steam
  $ 10.95     $ 10.39     $ 0.56       5 %
Metallurgical
  $ 113.56     $ 98.48     $ 15.08       15 %
Average
  $ 41.79     $ 54.89     $ (13.10 )     (24 )%

Coal revenues. Coal revenues increased $1,198.7 million, or 84%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase in coal revenues consisted of an increase in metallurgical coal revenues of $459.5 million, an increase in eastern steam coal revenues of $438.8 million and an increase in western steam coal revenues of $300.4 million.

The increase in metallurgical coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped and coal sales realization per ton. Metallurgical tons shipped increased 3.3 million, or 59%, compared to the prior year period and consisted of an increase of 1.2 million tons from the Foundation operations and an increase of 2.1 million tons from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in metallurgical tons shipped reflects an increase in demand for coking coal from steel producers in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period and the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. Coal sales realization per ton for metallurgical coal increased $15.08, or 15%, compared to the prior year period as a result of increased pricing due to stronger demand.

The increase in eastern steam coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped. Eastern steam tons shipped increased 6.5 million, or 55%, compared to the prior year period and consisted of an increase of 8.1 million tons from the Foundation operations and a decrease of 1.6 million tons from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase from the Foundation operations reflects the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. The decrease from the legacy Alpha operations was due to mining more metallurgical coal in response to the increase in demand for those tons.

The increase in western steam coal revenues was due to an increase in tons shipped and average coal sales realization per ton. Tons shipped increased 27.0 million primarily due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. Coal sales realization per ton for western steam coal increased $0.56, or 5%, compared to the prior year period as a result of increased pricing on contracted tons shipped.


Our sales mix of metallurgical coal and steam coal based on volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was 14% and 86%, respectively, compared with 22% and 78%, respectively, in the prior year period. Our sales mix of metallurgical coal and steam coal based on coal revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was 39% and 61%, respectively.

Freight and handling revenues. Freight and handling revenues were $240.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of $111.3 million compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to higher export and domestic shipments combined with higher shipping rates compared to the prior year period. These revenues are offset by equivalent costs and do not contribute to our profitability.

Other revenues. Other revenues increased $11.9 million, or 24%, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase consisted of an increase of $22.9 million from the Foundation operations, partially offset by a decrease of $11.0 million from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase from the Foundation operations was largely due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010 and consisted of revenues related to our Dry Systems Technology and Coal Gas Recovery businesses and  royalties. The decrease from the legacy Alpha operations was due to a decrease in road construction revenues and mark-to-market adjustments to coal sales contracts that are reported at fair value, partially offset by increases in royalties, coal processing and other miscellaneous revenues.


Costs and Expenses

   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except per ton data)
       
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
  $ 1,896,989     $ 1,039,490     $ 857,499       82 %
Freight and handling costs
    240,386       129,091       111,295       86 %
Other expenses
    36,094       15,650       20,444       131 %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    280,228       154,803       125,425       81 %
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    173,988       57,983       116,005       200 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
    135,604       117,630       17,974       15 %
Total costs and expenses
  $ 2,763,289     $ 1,514,647     $ 1,248,642       82 %
                                 
Cost of coal sales per ton:1
                               
Eastern coal operations
  $ 57.96     $ 56.14     $ 1.82       3 %
Western coal operations
  $ 8.81     $ 8.08     $ 0.73       9 %
Average
  $ 30.05     $ 40.17     $ (10.12 )     (25 )%

1 - Cost of coal sales per ton includes only costs associated with our Eastern and Western Coal operations.

Cost of coal sales. Cost of coal sales increased $857.5 million, or 82%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase was largely due to increases in wages and employee benefits, operating supplies, maintenance and repair, purchased coal expenses, outside services, royalties and production and severance taxes. These increases were largely due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations, which increased $690.8 million, for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, cost of coal sales included non-recurring charges of $11.4 million related to aligning vacation and retirement benefits company-wide. The legacy Alpha operations increased $166.7 million compared to the prior year period. The consolidated average cost of coal sales per ton was $30.05 compared to $40.17 in the prior year period. The average cost of coal sales per ton for Eastern and Western Coal Operations was $57.96 and $8.81, respectively, compared to $56.14 and $8.08, respectively, in the prior year period. The increase in cost of coal sales per ton at our Eastern Coal Operations was largely due to an increase in production of higher cost metallurgical tons as a result of responding to the increase in demand for metallurgical coal and a decrease in production from our lower cost longwall mines due to the impact of our miner vacation schedule, which impacted the current year period more as a result of the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period, and a longwall move that began in August 2010. An increase in purchased coal volumes also contributed to the increase in cost of coal sales per ton for the Eastern Coal Operations.

Freight and handling costs. Freight and handling costs increased $111.3 million, or 86%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to higher export and domestic shipments combined with higher shipping rates compared to the prior year period. These costs are offset by equivalent revenues and do not contribute to our profitability.

Other expenses. Other expenses increased $20.4 million, or 131%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. Other expenses generally consist of mark-to-market gains and losses on derivatives swap contracts that are not designated as cash flow hedges and expenses associated with our road construction, Dry Systems Technology and Coal Gas Recovery businesses. The increase in other expense was largely due to mark-to-market gains recorded in earnings during the 2009 period that relate to derivative instruments that have since been designated as cash flow hedges and for which changes in fair value are now recorded as a part of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $125.4 million, or 81%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase consisted of increased depreciation and amortization of $80.9 million primarily related to capital expenditures during the previous twelve months and increased depletion expense of $44.5 million related to increased production compared to the prior year period. These increases were largely due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months in the period ended September 30, 2010.

Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net. Application of acquisition accounting in connection with the Merger resulted in the recognition of a significant asset for above market-priced coal supply agreements and a liability for below market-priced coal supply agreements on the date of the acquisition. The coal supply agreement assets and liabilities are being amortized over the actual amount of tons shipped under each contract. Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net was $174.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $58.0 million in the prior year period.


Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $18.0 million, or 15%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to  increased employee wages and benefits, increased severance and relocation charges, and increased other miscellaneous overhead expenses due to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months in the period ended September 30, 2010, partially offset by decreased merger related expenses related to legal and other outside services costs incurred for the Foundation merger, lower expenses recorded for share-based compensation and a curtailment gain recorded during the quarter associated with a re-measurement of  our defined-benefit pension plan obligations as a result of a plan change due to the alignment of employee benefits company-wide.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $4.4 million, or 7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense was primarily related to the decreased interest expense and amortization of deferred loan fees associated with the legacy Alpha term loan that was paid off subsequent to the Merger, and a decrease in interest expense associated with the realized and unrealized losses due to the changes in fair value of the legacy Alpha interest rate swap that was de-designated as a cash flow hedge as a result of paying off the legacy Alpha term loan in July 2009, partially offset by the interest expense associated with the long term debt assumed in the Merger.

Interest income. Interest income increased by $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period primarily due to a higher average cash balance invested in marketable securities.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we amended our credit facility and prepaid approximately $39.6 million of the outstanding term loan.  As a result, we wrote off a portion of the deferred financing costs and recorded a loss of $1.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we paid off the legacy Alpha term loan and wrote off the remaining deferred loan fees and recorded a loss of $5.6 million.

Miscellaneous income (expense), net. Miscellaneous income (expense), net was income of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and income of $1.0 million in the prior year period.

Income tax (expense) benefit. Income tax expense from continuing operations of $18.0 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 on income from continuing operations before income taxes of $104.2 million, which equates to an effective tax rate of 17.3%. This rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to the tax benefits associated with percentage depletion partially offset by a $25.6 million deferred tax charge required for the legislative change related to the deductibility of retiree prescription drug expenses (Medicare Part D). An income tax benefit from continuing operations of $25.2 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 on income from continuing operations before income taxes of $21.4 million, which equates to an effective tax benefit rate of (117.7%). This benefit rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to a decrease in the valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets and the tax benefits associated with percentage depletion, partially offset by the effect of certain non-deductible transaction costs and the expense related to interest rate swaps.

Discontinued operations. Loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $1.5 million, net of tax, compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $6.5 million, net of tax, in the prior year period.


Segment Analysis

   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ or Tons
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except per ton data)
 
Western Coal Operations
                       
Steam tons sold
    35,620       8,618       27,002       313 %
Steam coal sales realization per ton
  $ 10.95     $ 10.39     $ 0.56       5 %
Total revenues
  $ 395,941     $ 90,240     $ 305,701       339 %
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 63,549     $ 18,120     $ 45,429       251 %
                                 
Eastern Coal Operations
                               
Steam tons sold
    18,223       11,727       6,496       55 %
Metallurgical tons sold
    8,889       5,584       3,305       59 %
Steam coal sales realization per ton
  $ 67.08     $ 66.83     $ 0.25       0 %
Metallurgical coal sales realization per ton
  $ 113.56     $ 98.48     $ 15.08       15 %
Total revenues
  $ 2,494,433     $ 1,493,737     $ 1,000,696       67 %
EBITDA from continuing operations
  $ 566,311     $ 339,694     $ 226,617       67 %

Western Coal Operations –EBITDA from continuing operations for our Western Coal Operations increased $45.4 million, or 251%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to increased total revenues of $305.7 million, partially offset by increased certain operating expenses of $260.3 million. The increase in total revenues consisted of increased coal and other revenues of $300.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The increase in coal revenues was largely due to increased tons shipped of 27.0 million, or 313%, and increased average sales realization per ton of $0.56, or 5%. The increase in certain operating expenses consisted of increased cost of coal sales of $243.6 million and a $16.7 million increase in other operating expenses. These increases were primarily due to the inclusion of the Western Coal Operations for the full nine months of the period ending September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period.

Eastern Coal Operations –EBITDA from continuing operations increased $226.6 million, or 67%, compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to increased coal revenues of $898.3 million, partially offset by increased certain operating expenses of $661.5 million, decreased other revenues of $8.8 million and a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.4 million. The increase in coal revenues was due to increased metallurgical and steam coal revenues of $459.5 million and $438.8 million, respectively. The increase in certain operating expenses consisted of increased cost of coal sales of $600.2 million and increased other operating expenses of $61.3 million.

The increase in metallurgical coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped and coal sales realization per ton. Metallurgical tons shipped increased 3.3 million, or 59%, compared to the prior year period and consisted of an increase of 1.2 million tons from the Foundation operations and an increase of 2.1 million tons from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase in metallurgical tons shipped reflects an increase in demand for coking coal from steel producers in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior year period and the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. Coal sales realization per ton for metallurgical coal increased $15.08, or 15%, compared to the prior year period as a result of increased pricing due to stronger demand.

The increase in eastern steam coal revenues was largely due to an increase in tons shipped. Eastern steam tons shipped increased 6.5 million, or 55%, compared to the prior year period and consisted of an increase of 8.1 million tons from the Foundation operations and a decrease of 1.6 million tons from the legacy Alpha operations. The increase from the Foundation operations reflects the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. The decrease from the legacy Alpha operations was due to a shift in production toward metallurgical coal in response to the increase in demand for those tons.

The increase in cost of coal sales was due to increases in wages and employee benefits, operating supplies, maintenance and repair, purchased coal expenses, outside services, royalties and production and severance taxes, all of which experienced increases due in part to the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the period ended September 30, 2010. Cost of coal sales per ton increased $1.82, or 3%, compared to the prior year period largely due to an increase in production of higher cost metallurgical tons as a result of responding to the increase in demand for metallurgical coal and a decrease in production from our lower cost longwall mines due to the impact of our miner vacation schedule, which had a larger impact in the current year period as a result of the inclusion of the Foundation operations for the full nine months of the current period, and the impact of a longwall move that began in August 2010.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity and capital resource requirements stem from the cost of our coal production and purchases, our annual capital expenditures, our income taxes, and our debt service and reclamation obligations.  Our primary sources of liquidity have been from sales of our coal production, borrowings under our credit facility (see “—Credit Agreement and Long-term Debt”), sales of our common stock, and to a much lesser extent, sales of purchased coal to customers, cash from sales of non-core assets and miscellaneous revenues.

We believe that cash on hand, cash generated from our operations and borrowings available under our credit facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, debt service requirements and reclamation obligations for at least the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2010, we had available liquidity of $1,566.3 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $442.8 million, marketable securities of $300.4 million and $823.1 million of unused revolving credit facility commitments available under the Facility (after giving effect to $31.3 million of letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2010), subject to limitations described in the Facility. Our total long-term debt, including discount, was $749.0 million at September 30, 2010.

We sponsor pension plans in the United States for salaried and non-union hourly employees. For these plans, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“Pension Act”) requires a funding target of 100% of the present value of accrued benefits. The Pension Act includes a funding target phase-in provision that establishes a funding target of 92% in 2008, 94% in 2009, 96% in 2010 and 100% thereafter for defined benefit pension plans. Generally, any such plan with a funding ratio of less than 80% will be deemed at risk and will be subject to additional funding requirements under the Pension Act. Annual funding contributions to the plans are made as recommended by consulting actuaries based upon the ERISA funding standards. Plan assets consist of equity and fixed income funds, real estate funds, private equity funds and alternative investment funds. We are required to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of our fiscal year-end balance sheet and recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (other than a multi-employer plan) as an asset or liability in our balance sheet and recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive (loss) income. The recent economic downturn caused investment income and the value of investment assets held in our pension trust to lose value. As a result, depending on economic recovery and growth in the value of our invested assets, we may be required to increase the amount of cash contributions into the pension trust in order to comply with the funding requirements of the Pension Act.  We currently expect to make contributions in 2011 in the range of $40 to $45 million for our defined benefit retirement plans.

In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations for a federal coal lease, which contains an estimated 224.0 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in the Powder River Basin. The original lease bonus bid was $180.5 million, payable in five equal annual installments of $36.1 million. We paid the third installment in 2010.  The two remaining annual installments of $36.1 million each are due on May 1, 2011 and 2012.

With respect to global economic events, there continues to be uncertainty in the financial markets and this uncertainty brings potential liquidity risks for us. Such risks include declines in our stock value, less availability and higher costs of additional credit, potential counterparty defaults and further commercial bank failures. The creditworthiness of our customers is constantly monitored by us. We believe that our current group of customers is sound and represents no abnormal business risk.

In March 2010, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission that provides us the flexibility to raise additional debt and/or equity capital through the sale or issuance of a number of different classes of securities.  Any such transaction would be accompanied by the filing of a prospectus supplement and other documents describing the material terms of the offering as required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accounts Receivable Securitization

As of September 30, 2010, letters of credit in the amount $141.6 million were outstanding under the A/R Facility and no cash borrowing transactions had taken place.


Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The net change in cash and cash equivalents was attributable to the following:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows (in thousands):
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 511,051     $ 162,116  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (445,337 )     (80,404 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (88,820 )     (276,345 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (23,106 )   $ (194,633 )

Our primary sources of cash have been from sales of our coal production, borrowings under our credit facility, sales of our common stock, and to a much lesser extent, sales of purchased coal to customers, sales of non-core assets and miscellaneous revenues.

Our primary uses of cash have been our cash production costs, capital expenditures, interest costs, cash payments for employee benefit obligations such as retiree health care benefits, cash payments related to our reclamation obligations and support of working capital requirements such as trade accounts receivable, coal inventories and trade accounts payable. Our ability to service debt and acquire new productive assets for use in our operations has been and will be dependent upon our ability to generate cash from our operations. We generally fund all of our capital expenditure requirements with cash generated from operations.  Historically, we have engaged in minimal financing of assets such as through operating leases.

Net cash provided by operating activities, including discontinued operations, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $511.1 million, an increase of $349.0 million from the $162.1 million of net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Non-cash amounts included in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $277.2 million over the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily related to an increase in depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization of $132.9 million and amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net, of $116.0 million. Working capital changes consist primarily of trade accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, inventories, net, prepaid and other current assets, other noncurrent assets, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations, and asset retirement obligations.

Net cash used in investing activities, including discontinued operations, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $445.3 million, which primarily included $223.0 million in capital expenditures, $36.1 million in acquisitions of mineral rights under federal lease, $181.3 million in net purchases of marketable securities which represent liquid investments, $3.0 million investment in a joint venture that is accounted for using the equity-method of accounting and $4.0 million investment in an other investment.  Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $102.8 million in capital expenditures and $23.5 million of cash acquired from the merger with Foundation.

Net cash used in financing activities, including discontinued operations, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $88.8 million, which primarily included $41.6 million in common stock repurchases related to the withholding of the minimum statutory tax due for the vesting of stock-based awards and the Company’s share repurchase program, $8.7 million of debt issuance costs and principal payments of $50.9 million on our term loan offset by $4.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of the stock options, and $8.1 million of excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards.  Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $16.4 million principal payments of notes payable, $241.5 million principal payments of long-term debt, $11.2 million in debt issuance costs, $8.5 million in common stock repurchases related to the withholding of the minimum tax due for the vesting of stock-based awards and $2.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.


Credit Agreement and Long-term Debt

As of September 30, 2010, our total long-term indebtedness consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
 
   
2010
 
Term loan due 2014 under the Alpha Credit Facility
  $ 233,815  
7.25% senior notes due 2014
    298,285  
2.375% convertible senior note due 2015
    287,500  
Debt discount
    (70,557 )
Total long-term debt
    749,043  
Less current portion
    (14,798 )
Long-term debt, net of current portion
  $ 734,245  

Alpha Credit Facility

On April 15, 2010, we and our lenders amended and restated (the “Amend and Extend”) the Alpha Credit Facility (the “Facility”). The Amend and Extend, among other things, extended the maturity of $236.8 million of the then-outstanding term loans and $554.0 million of existing revolving credit facility (the “revolver”) commitments from July 7, 2011 to July 31, 2014. The Amend and Extend added $300.4 million of additional borrowing capacity with a maturity of July 31, 2014, to increase the aggregate principal amount available to be drawn under the revolver to $950.4 million. Subsequently, we terminated $96.0 million of commitments under the revolver and prepaid $39.6 million of the term loans, both of which related to lenders that chose not to extend their commitments beyond the original expiration date of July 7, 2011. Additionally, the Amend and Extend (1) increased the amount of the “accordion” feature of the Facility to $400.0 million, all of which was available for us to exercise following the closing of the Amend and Extend; and, (2) also made other changes to the Facility, including amendments to certain of the negative covenants in the Facility to provide us greater financial and operating flexibility.

As of September 30, 2010, the total borrowing capacity under the revolver was $854.4 million and the amount available was $823.1 million, after giving effect to the outstanding letters of credit of $31.3 million. Borrowings under the revolver bear interest at a base rate plus an applicable margin or at an adjusted London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based on leverage ratios. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver at September 30, 2010 or December 31, 2009. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.5% on unused borrowings.

The Facility’s secured term loans bear interest at a base rate plus an applicable margin or at an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin.  The interest rate approximated 3.56% and 3.50% at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, our secured term loans had a carrying value of $232.5 million, net of debt discount of $1.3 million, with $14.8 million classified as current portion of long-term debt. As of December 31, 2009, our secured term loans had a carrying value of $282.7 million, net of debt discount of $2.0 million, with $33.5 million classified as current portion of long-term debt.

The Facility places certain restrictions on us. See “—Analysis of Material Debt Covenants.”

7.25% Senior Notes Due August 1, 2014

Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC (“Foundation PA”), one of our subsidiaries, has senior unsecured notes outstanding that mature on August 1, 2014, unless previously redeemed (the “2014 Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $298.3 million at both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The 2014 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and all of our subsidiaries other than Foundation PA and ANR Receivables Funding LLC. The 2014 Notes pay interest semi-annually and are redeemable at Foundation PA’s option at a redemption price equal to 102.417%, 101.208% and 100% of the principal amount if redeemed during the twelve month periods beginning August 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, plus accrued interest. As of September 30, 2010, the carrying value of the 2014 Notes was $297.2 million, net of debt discount of $1.1 million.  As of December 31, 2009, the carrying value of the 2014 Notes was $297.0 million, net of debt discount of $1.3 million.

The indenture governing the 2014 Notes places certain restrictions on Alpha. See “—Analysis of Material Debt Covenants.”


2.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due April 15, 2015

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had $287.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2.375% convertible senior notes due April 15, 2015 (the "Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, and will mature on April 15, 2015, unless previously repurchased by us or converted. We account for the Convertible Notes under ASC 470-20, which requires issuers of convertible debt instruments that may be settled wholly or partially in cash upon conversion to separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner reflective of the issuers’ nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The related deferred loan costs and discount are being amortized and accreted, respectively, over the seven-year term of the Convertible Notes, and provide for an effective interest rate of 8.64%. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the carrying amounts of the debt component were $219.3 million and $210.5 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the unamortized debt discount was $68.2 million and $77.0 million, respectively.

Analysis of Material Debt Covenants

We were in compliance with all covenants under the Facility and the indenture governing the 2014 Notes as of September 30, 2010. A breach of the covenants in the Facility or the 2014 Notes indenture, including the financial covenants under the Facility that measure ratios based on Adjusted EBITDA, could result in a default under the Facility or the 2014 Notes indenture and the respective lenders and note holders could elect to declare all amounts borrowed due and payable. Any acceleration under either the Facility or the 2014 Notes indenture would also result in a default under the indenture governing our Convertible Notes. Additionally, under the Facility and the 2014 Notes indenture, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is also tied to ratios based on Adjusted EBITDA.

Covenants and required levels set forth in the Facility are:

   
Actual Covenant Levels; Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2010
   
Required Covenant Levels; January 1, 2009 and Thereafter
 
Adjusted EBITDA to cash interest ratio
    18.2x       2.5x  
Total debt less unrestricted cash to adjusted EBITDA ratio
    0.4x       3.5x  

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted to exclude certain non-cash items, non-recurring items, and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the Facility. EBITDA, a measure used by management to evaluate its ongoing operations for internal planning and forecasting purposes, is defined as net income (loss) from operations plus interest expense, income tax expense, amortization of acquired coal supply agreements and depreciation, depletion and amortization, less interest income and income tax benefit. EBITDA is not a financial measure recognized under United States generally accepted accounting principles and does not purport to be an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. The amounts shown for EBITDA as presented may differ from amounts calculated and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Certain non-cash items that may adjust EBITDA in the compliance calculation are: (a) accretion on asset retirement obligations; (b) amortization of intangibles; (c) any long-term incentive plan accruals or any non-cash compensation expense realized from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options or other rights to officers, directors and employees; and (d) gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of derivative instruments. Certain non-recurring items that may adjust EBITDA in the compliance calculation are: (a) business optimization expenses or other restructuring charges; (b) non-cash impairment charges; (c) certain non-cash expenses or charges arising as a result of the application of acquisition accounting; (d) non-cash charges associated with loss on early extinguishment of debt; and (e) charges associated with litigation, arbitration, or contract settlements. Certain other items that may adjust EBITDA in the compliance calculation are: (a) after-tax gains or losses from discontinued operations; (b) franchise taxes; and (c) other non-cash expenses that do not represent an accrual or reserve for future cash expense.


The calculation of adjusted EBITDA shown below is based on our results of operations in accordance with the Facility and therefore, is different from EBITDA presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (in thousands).

   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended September 30,
 
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
     
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
   
2010
   
2010
 
                               
Net income
  $ 17,947     $ 14,041     $ 38,797     $ 31,874     $ 102,659  
Interest expense
    19,971       22,120       18,504       17,834       78,429  
Interest income
    (494 )     (680 )     (848 )     (967 )     (2,989 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (8,230 )     20,860       (5,159 )     1,236       8,707  
Amortization of acquired coal supply agreements, net
    69,625       65,957       55,633       52,398       243,613  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    97,716       95,137       91,049       94,202       378,104  
EBITDA
    196,535       217,435       197,976       196,577       808,523  
Non-cash charges (1)
    7,397       12,177       14,069       10,003       43,646  
Extraordinary or non-recurring items (1)
    4,827       273       279       388       5,767  
Other adjustments (1)
    2,485       3,048       (1,359 )     608       4,782  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 211,244     $ 232,933     $ 210,965     $ 207,576     $ 862,718  

(1) Calculated in accordance with the Facility

Adjusted EBITDA to cash interest ratio
    18.2  
Total debt less unrestricted cash to adjusted EBITDA ratio
    0.4  

Cash interest is calculated in accordance with the Facility and is equal to interest expense less interest income and non-cash interest expense. Cash interest for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010 is calculated as follows (in thousands):

Interest expense
  $ 78,429  
Less interest income
    (2,989 )
Less non-cash interest expense
    (25,292 )
Less other adjustments
    (2,755 )
Net cash interest expense (1)
  $ 47,393  

(1)   Calculated in accordance with the Facility

If certain circumstances exist where all of our $287.5 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes were converted at the option of the holders, we believe we would have adequate liquidity to satisfy the obligations for the Convertible Notes and remain in compliance with all required covenants.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain off-balance sheet arrangements. These arrangements include guarantees, operating leases, indemnifications and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as bank letters of credit and performance or surety bonds. Liabilities related to these arrangements are not reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the underlying obligations that they secure, such as asset retirement obligations, self-insured workers’ compensation liabilities, royalty obligations and certain retiree medical obligations, are reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We are required to provide financial assurance in order to perform the post-mining reclamation required by our mining permits, pay our federal production royalties, pay workers’ compensation claims under self-insured workers’ compensation laws in various states, pay federal black lung benefits, pay retiree health care benefits to certain retired United Mine Workers of America ("UMWA") employees and perform certain other obligations.  In order to provide the required financial assurance, we generally use surety bonds and self bonding for post-mining reclamation and bank letters of credit for self-insured workers’ compensation obligations and UMWA retiree health care obligations. Federal black lung benefits are paid from a dedicated trust fund to which future contributions will be required. Bank letters of credit are also used to collateralize a portion of the surety bonds.

We had outstanding surety bonds with a total face amount of $501.6 million as of September 30, 2010 to secure various obligations and commitments. In addition, we had $172.9 million of letters of credit in place, of which $31.3 million was outstanding under the Facility, and $141.6 million was outstanding under our A/R Facility. These outstanding letters of credit served as collateral for workers’ compensation bonds, reclamation surety bonds, secured UMWA retiree health care obligations, secured workers’ compensation obligations and other miscellaneous obligations. In the event that additional surety bonds or self bonding capacity become unavailable, we would seek to secure our obligations with letters of credit, cash deposits or other suitable forms of collateral.

Other

As a regular part of our business, we review opportunities for, and engage in discussions and negotiations concerning, the acquisition of coal mining assets and interests in coal mining companies, and acquisitions of, or combinations with, coal mining companies. When we believe that these opportunities are consistent with our growth plans and our acquisition criteria, we will make bids or proposals and/or enter into letters of intent and other similar agreements. These bids or proposals, which may be binding or nonbinding, are customarily subject to a variety of conditions and usually permit us to terminate the discussions and any related agreement if, among other things, we are not satisfied with the results of our due diligence investigation. Any acquisition opportunities we pursue could materially affect our liquidity and capital resources and may require us to incur indebtedness, seek equity capital or both. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. These estimates and assumptions are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year-end. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of results that can be expected for the full year.

Please refer to the section entitled “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates.
 
On September 23, 2010, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published an emergency temporary standard that revises the existing federal standard for the incombustible content of combined coal dust, rock dust and other dust in coal mines. Rock dust is pulverized stone used to cover coal dust and render it inert. Effective rock dust application can prevent coal dust explosions and can reduce the severity of methane explosions. The emergency temporary standard requires mine operators to increase the incombustible content of the combined coal dust, rock dust, and other dust in all accessible areas of underground coal mines to at least 80%. This is an increase from the pre-existing standard of 65%, except for return air courses where the pre-existing standard was already 80%. Mine operators must comply with the standard for newly mined areas by October 7, 2010, and all other areas of the mine by November 22, 2010. To meet these compliance dates, MSHA encouraged mine operators to immediately begin rock dusting all other areas, starting with those that pose the greatest risk to miners: for example, areas near the active faces and areas that contain possible ignition sources, such as conveyer belt drives and belt entries. The new standard will increase costs due to additional rock-dusting materials, additional equipment and additional labor that will be necessary to comply with the new standard.
 
On June 29, 2010, EPA included methane emissions from underground coal mines as sources of greenhouse gases subject to the mandatory greenhouse gas reporting regulations that were adopted on October 30, 2009. Under the rule for underground coal mines, any facility that is subject to quarterly sampling for methane of mine ventilation systems by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) must begin monitoring methane emissions on January 1, 2011. Reports of methane emissions (and for methane destruction by combustion—carbon dioxide emissions) for 2011 are due to EPA on March 31, 2012. At present the regulations only require monitoring and reporting of the amounts of these emissions from underground coal mines. There are presently no capture or control requirements in the regulations. However, these monitoring and reporting regulations may lead to additional regulation of these emissions from underground coal mines.


Mine Safety and Health Administration Data

Our subsidiaries’ mining operations have consistently been recognized with numerous local, state and national awards over the years for outstanding safety performance.

Our Running Right safety process involves all employees in accident prevention and continuous improvement. Safety leadership and training programs are based upon the concepts of situational awareness and observation, changing behaviors, and most importantly employee involvement. The core elements of our behavior based safety training include identification of critical behaviors, frequency of those behaviors, employee feedback and removal of barriers for continuous improvement. 

The Running Right program empowers all Alpha employees to champion the safety process. Every person is challenged to identify hazards and initiate corrective actions. Reporting is anonymous, allowing hazards to be dealt with in a timely manner.

All levels of the organization are expected to be proactive and commit to perpetual improvement, implementing new safety processes that promote a safe and healthy work environment.

Our subsidiaries operate multiple mining complexes in six states and are regulated by both the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) and state regulatory agencies. As described in more detail in the “Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (the “Mine Act”) and state regulatory agencies, among other regulations, imposes stringent safety and health standards on all aspects of mining operations.  Regulatory inspections are mandated by these agencies with thousands of inspection shifts at our properties each year. Citations and compliance metrics at each of our 64 affiliated mining properties vary, due to the size and type of the operation.  We endeavor to conduct our mining and other operations in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.  However, violations occur from time to time.  None of the violations identified or the monetary penalties assessed upon us set forth in the tables below have been material.

Our subsidiaries received no flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) and no written notice of a pattern of violations under Section 104(e) of the Mine Act, nor the potential to have such a pattern, and they experienced no mining-related fatalities during the current quarterly reporting period.

For reporting purposes of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, we include the following table that sets forth the total number of specific citations and orders and the total dollar value of the proposed civil penalty assessments that were issued by MSHA during the current quarterly reporting period and a list of legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, including the Administrative Law Judges thereof, pursuant to the Mine Act, for each of our subsidiaries that is a coal mine operator, by individual mine, excluding all citations and orders that were issued and vacated by MSHA during the current quarterly reporting period:
 
 
MSHA Mine ID
 
Mine Operator
 
Significant and Substantial Citations (Section 104 of the Mine Act) *Excludes 104(d) citations/ order
   
Failure to Abate Orders (Section 104(b) of the Mine Act)
   
Unwarrantable Failure Citations/ Orders (Section 104(d) of the Mine Act
   
Imminent Danger Orders (Section 107(a) of the Mine Act)
(1)
   
Dollar Value of Proposed Civil Penalty Assessments (thousands)
(2)
   
Legal Actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
(3)
 
4800732  
Alpha Coal West, Inc.
    2       -       -       -     $ -       2  
4801078  
Alpha Coal West. Inc.
    1       -       -       -     $ 2.39       4  
3607688  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ 0.38       -  
3608422  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 2.36       1  
3608497  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
3608620  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ -       -  
3608704  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    6       -       -       -     $ 0.96       11  
3608848  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 1.23       -  
3608850  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    13       -       -       -     $ 11.48       18  
3608853  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
3609005  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 2.26       11  
3609033  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    9       -       -       -     $ 10.08       14  
3609127  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    6       -       -       -     $ 20.28       17  
3609246  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       2  
3609284  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       1  
3609414  
AMFIRE Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
3609140  
AMFIRE Mining Company, LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.10       1  
4608218  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       5  
4606045  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ 0.18       1  
4606263  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    8       -       -       -     $ 11.10       4  
4608885  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ 0.90       6  
4609036  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4609055  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       9  
4609066  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    13       1       -       1     $ 36.24       24  
4609126  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    8       -       3       -     $ 5.22       -  
4609213  
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC
    2       -       -       -     $ 2.71       7  
4609348  
Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC
    4       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4607484  
Cobra Natural Resources LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       2  
4607985  
Cobra Natural Resources LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 8.01       3  
4608730  
Cobra Natural Resources LLC
    19       1       -       -     $ 39.59       15  
3609744  
Coral Energy Services LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ 0.28       1  
3605018  
Cumberland Coal Resources LP
    20       -       -       -     $ 14.43       27  
4406444  
Dickenson-Russell Coal Co LLC
    14       -       4       -     $ 70.92       5  
4406864  
Dickenson-Russell Coal Co LLC
    29       -       -       -     $ 42.84       10  
4407146  
Dickenson-Russell Coal Co LLC
    19       -       -       -     $ 54.80       5  
4405311  
Dickenson-Russell Coal Co., LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ -       1  
4402277  
Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.20       1  
3605466  
Emerald Coal Resources LP
    13       -       4       -     $ 177.59       36  
1519189  
Enterprise Mining Co LLC
    2       -       -       -     $ 3.45       -  
1511121  
Enterprise Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.30       -  
1516858  
Enterprise Mining Company LLC
    2       -       -       -     $ 0.41       -  
1518507  
Enterprise Mining Company LLC
    5       -       -       -     $ -       9  
1518558  
Enterprise Mining Co LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       1  
1519116  
Enterprise Mining Company LLC
    6       -       -       -     $ 10.59       3  
4604637  
Kepler Processing Company LLC
    3       -       -       -     $ 1.58       -  
4608625  
Kingston Mining, Inc.
    11       -       -       -     $ 16.08       7  
4608932  
Kingston Mining, Inc.
    13       -       -       -     $ 10.65       6  
4604343  
Kingston Processing Inc
    1       -       -       -     $ -       2  
4608751  
Kingwood Mining Company LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       14  
4605872  
Litwar Processing Company, LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 1.14       -  
4406949  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 1.80       -  
4407123  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    8       -       -       -     $ 9.39       9  
4407163  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.90       -  
4407190  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4407223  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    1       -       -       -     $ 0.28       -  
4407231  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC
    3       -       -       -     $ 3.28       2  
4405270  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia, LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.18       -  
4406929  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia, LLC
    36       -       -       -     $ 82.38       6  
4407232  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia, LLC
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4407129  
Paramont Coal Company Virginia, LLC.
    7       -       -       -     $ 12.55       2  
4607545  
Premium Energy LLC
    12       -       -       -     $ 13.99       4  
1517278  
Rivereagle Corporation
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.10       -  
4605121  
Rockspring Development Inc
    71       -       2       -     $ 176.47       26  
4608030  
Rockspring Development Inc
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.10       -  
4608582  
Simmons Fork Mining Incorporated
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.10       -  
4609026  
Simmons Fork Mining, Inc.
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4609114  
Simmons Fork Mining, Inc.
    -       -       -       -     $ -       -  
4403658  
Twin Star Mining, Inc.
    10       -       -       -     $ 5.81       1  
4403929  
Twin Star Mining, Inc.
    -       -       -       -     $ 0.34       -  
4608632  
White Flame Energy, Inc
    5       -       -       -     $ -       1  
 
 
(1)
One of our subsidiaries received an Imminent Danger Order on July 9, 2010 prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 on July 21, 2010, therefore no Current Report on Form 8-K was required.
 
(2)
The MSHA Assessments issued during the quarterly reporting period do not necessarily relate to the citations or orders issued by MSHA during the quarterly reporting period or to the pending cases reported below.
 
(3)
The Legal Actions include matters which were initiated prior to the current quarterly reporting period and which do not necessarily relate to the citations, orders or proposed assessments issued by MSHA during the quarterly reporting period. All of the Legal Actions were initiated by us to contest citations, orders or proposed assessments issued by MSHA, and if we are successful, may result in reduction or dismissal of those citations, orders or assessments.
 
Idle and non-producing facilities are not included in the foregoing chart, unless they received a citation, order or proposed assessment issued by MSHA during the current quarterly reporting period.
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Commodity Price Risk

We manage our commodity price risk for coal sales through the use of long-term coal supply agreements. As of October 22, 2010, we had sales commitments for 100% of planned shipments for 2010. Uncommitted and unpriced tonnage was 0% and 6% for 2010 and 2011, respectively. The discussion below presents the sensitivity of the market value of selected financial instruments to selected changes in market rates and prices. The range of changes reflects our view of changes that are reasonably possible over a one-year period. Market values are the present value of projected future cash flows based on the market rates and prices chosen.

We have exposure to price risk for supplies that are used directly or indirectly in the normal course of production such as diesel fuel, steel and other items such as explosives. We manage our risk for these items through strategic sourcing contracts in normal quantities with our suppliers and we may use derivative instruments from time to time, primarily swap contracts with financial institutions, for a certain percentage of our monthly requirements. Swap agreements essentially fix the price paid for our diesel fuel and explosives by requiring us to pay a fixed price and receive a floating price.

We expect to use approximately 10,000 tons of explosives during the remaining three months of 2010 and 36,000 tons in calendar year 2011 at our Western Coal Operations. Through our derivative swap contracts, we have fixed prices for approximately 46% of our expected explosive needs for the remaining three months of 2010 and 32% for calendar year 2011. If the price of natural gas were to decrease, our expense resulting from our natural gas derivatives would increase, which would be largely offset by a decrease in the cost of our physical explosive purchases.

We expect to use approximately 11.6 million gallons of diesel fuel during the remaining three months of 2010 and 48.3 million gallons of diesel fuel in calendar year 2011. Through our derivative swap contracts, we have fixed prices for approximately 58% and 50% of our expected diesel fuel needs for the remaining three months of 2010 and for calendar year 2011, respectively. If the price of diesel fuel were to decrease, our expense resulting from our diesel fuel derivative swap contracts would increase, which would be offset by a decrease in the cost of our physical diesel fuel purchases.

Credit Risk

Our credit risk is primarily with electric power generators and steel producers. Our policy is to independently evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness prior to entering into transactions and to constantly monitor outstanding accounts receivable against established credit limits. When appropriate (as determined by our credit management function), we have taken steps to reduce our credit exposure to customers that do not meet our credit standards or whose credit has deteriorated. These steps include obtaining letters of credit or cash collateral, requiring prepayments for shipments or establishing customer trust accounts held for our benefit in the event of a failure to pay.

Interest Rate Risk

Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. As we continue to monitor the interest rate environment in concert with our risk mitigation objectives, consideration is being given to future interest rate risk reduction strategies.

We have exposure to changes in interest rates through the Facility, which has a variable interest rate of 3.25 percentage points over the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”), subject, in the case of the revolving credit line, to adjustment based on leverage ratios. As of September 30, 2010, our term loan due 2014 under the Facility had an outstanding balance of $232.5 million, net of debt discount of $1.3 million. The current portion of the term loan due is $14.8 million. A 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease our quarterly interest expense by $0.3 million, which would be partially offset by our interest rate swap.

To achieve risk mitigation objectives, we have in the past managed our interest rate exposure through the use of interest rate swaps. To reduce our exposure to rising interest rates, effective May 22, 2006 we entered into interest rate swaps to reduce the risk that changing interest rates could have on our operations. The swaps initially qualified for cash flow hedge accounting and changes in fair value were recorded as a component of equity; however, the underlying debt instrument was subsequently paid in 2009 and the swaps no longer qualified for cash flow hedge accounting. The amounts that were previously recorded in equity were recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2009. Subsequent changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps will be recorded in earnings. If interest rates were to decrease during the remaining three months of 2010, our expense resulting from our interest rate swaps would increase, which would be partially offset by a decrease in the amount of actual interest paid on our Facility.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our Disclosure Committee has responsibility for ensuring that there is an adequate and effective process for establishing, maintaining and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our SEC reports is timely recorded, processed, summarized and reported. In addition, we have established a Code of Business Ethics designed to provide a statement of the values and ethical standards to which we require our employees and directors to adhere. The Code of Business Ethics provides the framework for maintaining the highest possible standards of professional conduct.  We also maintain an ethics hotline for employees. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in ensuring that material information relating to Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

On July 31, 2009, Old Alpha and Foundation merged, with Foundation continuing as the surviving corporation of the Merger. For accounting purposes, the Merger was treated as a “reverse acquisition” and Old Alpha was considered the accounting acquirer. Management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 excluded the operations of Foundation. The Foundation operations will be included in Management’s assessment as of December 31, 2010.

There have not been any significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are a party to a number of legal proceedings incident to our normal business activities. While we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, we do not believe that any liability arising from these matters individually or in the aggregate should have a material impact upon our consolidated cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

Nicewonder Litigation

In December 2004, prior to Old Alpha’s Nicewonder acquisition in October 2005, the Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation brought an action against the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways (“WVDOH”) and Nicewonder Contracting, Inc. (“NCI”), which became our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary as a result of the Nicewonder acquisition, in the United States District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia. The plaintiff sought a declaration that the contract between NCI and the State of West Virginia related to NCI’s road construction project was illegal as a violation of applicable West Virginia and federal competitive bidding and prevailing wage laws. The plaintiff also sought an injunction prohibiting performance of the contract but has not sought monetary damages.

In September 2007, the Court ruled that the WVDOH and the Federal Highway Administration (which is now a party to the suit) could not, under the circumstances of this case, enter into a contract that did not require the contractor to pay the prevailing wages as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. In anticipation of a potential Court directive that the contract be renegotiated for such payment, for which the WVDOH had committed to reimburse NCI, we recorded a $9.0 million long-term liability for the potential obligations under the ruling and an offsetting $9.0 million long-term receivable for the recovery of these costs from the WVDOH.


On September 30, 2009, the Court issued an order that dismissed or denied for lack of standing all of the plaintiff’s claims under federal law and remanded the remaining state claims to circuit court in Kanawha County, WV for resolution. The Court also vacated portions of its September 2007 order, and held that the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue the Davis-Bacon Act claim and further concluded that no private right of action exists to challenge the absence of a provision in a contract for highway construction requiring payment of prevailing wages established by the Davis-Bacon Act. As a result of the September 30, 2009 ruling, our previously established long-term liability and offsetting long-term receivable of $9.0 million have been reversed.

On May 7, 2010, the Circuit Court of Kanawha County entered Summary Judgment in favor of NCI.  The plaintiffs have filed a petition for appeal with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, but the Court of Appeals has not yet accepted the appeal.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” Section in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 together with the cautionary statement under the caption “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report. These described risks are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
   
Average Price Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Share Repurchase Program (2)
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (000's omitted) (3)
 
July 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010
    7,609     $ 35.67       5,121     $ 100,001  
August 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010
    15,806     $ 39.44       -     $ 100,001  
September 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010
    319     $ 39.35       -     $ 100,001  
      23,734     $ 38.23       5,121     $ 100,001  

 
(1)
In November 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase common shares from employees to satisfy the employees’ minimum statutory tax withholdings upon the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 45,290 shares of common stock to employees upon vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and repurchased 18,613 shares of common stock to satisfy the employees’ minimum statutory tax withholdings.
 
(2)
On May 19, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $125,000,000 of common shares.
 
(3)
Management cannot estimate the number of shares that will be repurchased because decisions to purchase are based on the Company’s outlook, business conditions and current investment opportunity.

Item 5. Other Information.

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated.

On November 5, 2010, the Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan (the "ANR DC Plan") was amended and restated, effective January 1, 2011. The amendment and restatement reflects the single nonqualified benefit structure that will apply to all eligible participants effective on and after January 1, 2011.  In addition, two of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.'s (the "Company") other existing nonqualified arrangements - the Foundation Coal Deferred Compensation Plan (the "FC DC Plan") and the Riverton Coal Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the "RC EDC Plan") - will be frozen effective December 31, 2010 and will be merged with and into the ANR DC Plan effective January 1, 2011. The FC DC Plan and the RC EDC Plan will cease to exist as separate plans effective December 31, 2010.

Pursuant to the terms of the ANR DC Plan, as amended and restated, the benefits that accrued, but were not paid, under the FC DC Plan and the RC EDC Plan as of December 31, 2010, will become benefits payable under the ANR DC Plan as of January 1, 2011, in accordance with the applicable terms of the ANR DC Plan.  The amounts will continue to be maintained in separate accounts and the time and form of distribution provisions from these plans will be preserved.  The amendments to the ANR DC Plan were adopted to provide a single benefit structure for all eligible participants and include, among others, the following changes:

 
·
Contributions under the ANR DC Plan, as amended and restated, will now include:  (i) participant elective deferrals of up to 35% of base compensation, up to 100% of amounts earned under the Company's 2008 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended (the "AIB Plan") and up to 35% of eligible compensation other than base compensation and amounts earned under the AIB Plan (e.g., retention bonuses), (ii) an employer contribution equal to 5% of eligible compensation in excess of the qualified plan compensation limit ("Excess Compensation"), (iii) an employer contribution equal to 100% of the amount of participant elective deferrals (if any), capped at 4% of Excess Compensation, and (iv) discretionary employer contributions, if any, that must be authorized by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

 
·
The service vesting requirement under the ANR DC Plan, as amended and restated, will be reduced from five years to three years for employer contributions, and will include a special transition rule that will provide for full vesting of employer contributions for participants who are active employees on January 1, 2011.  Participant elective deferrals will be 100% vested at all times.


 
·
Participants will now be permitted to direct the deemed investment of their account balances under the ANR DC Plan, as amended and restated, among the investment options currently available under the Company and Affiliates 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the former ANR DC Plan credited participants' account balances with a fixed interest rate).

The preceding description of changes to the ANR DC Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.



See the Exhibit Index following the signature page of this quarterly report.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
         
Date: November 5, 2010
By:
/s/
Frank J. Wood
 
         
 
Name:  
Frank J. Wood
         
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


10-K EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
     
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (File No. 001-32331) filed on August 5, 2009.)
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (File No. 001-32331) filed on August 5, 2009.)
     
4.1
 
Form of certificate of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. common stock (Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc./Old (File No. 333-121002) filed on February 10, 2005.)
     
4.2
 
Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2008, between Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (SEC File No. 1-32423) and Union Bank of California, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc./Old (SEC File No. 1-32423) filed on April 9, 2008.)
     
4.3
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of April 7, 2008, between Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (SEC File No. 1-32423) and Union Bank of California, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. /Old (SEC File No. 1-32423) filed on April 9, 2008.)
     
4.4
 
Form of 2.375% Convertible Senior Note due 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-32423) of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc./Old (SEC File No. 1-32423) filed on April 9, 2008.)
     
4.5
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2 dated as of July 31, 2009, between Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Union Bank of California, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. on August 5, 2009.)
     
4.6
 
Subordinated Indenture dated as of April 7, 2008, between Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Union Bank of California, N.A. as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc./Old (SEC File No. 1-32423) filed on April 9, 2008.)
     
4.7
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of July 31, 2009, between Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. on August 7, 2009.)
     
4.8
 
Senior Notes Indenture dated as of July 30, 2004, among Foundation PA Coal Company (nka Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC), the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (SEC File No. 333-118427) of Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. filed on December 7, 2004.)
     
4.9
 
Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 6, 2005 among Foundation Mining LP, a subsidiary of Foundation Coal Corporation, Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. filed on November 14, 2005.)
     
4.10
 
Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 5, 2007 among Foundation PA Coal Terminal, LLC, a subsidiary of Foundation Coal Corporation, Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. filed on November 9, 2007.)
     
4.11
 
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 2009 among Foundation PA Coal Company, LLC, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. on August 5, 2009.)


10-K EXHIBIT INDEX – (Continued)

Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
     
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2011
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan – Distribution Election Form, Retirement and SRP Account Balances.
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan – Distribution Election Form, In-Service Account Balances.
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan – Other Compensation Deferral Agreement Form.
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan – Annual Bonus Deferral Agreement Form.
     
 
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan – Base Salary Deferral Agreement Form.
     
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
 
Computation of Other Ratios.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, As Adopted Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, As Adopted Pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS*
 
XBRL instance document
     
101.SCH*
 
XBRL taxonomy extension schema
     
101.CAL*
 
XBRL taxonomy extension calculation linkbase
     
101.LAB*
 
XBRL taxonomy extension label linkbase
     
101.PRE*
 
XBRL taxonomy extension presentation linkbase
     
 
*
Filed herewith.
 
 
74